Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Name: Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1/2 cup prunes, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Flavors Abroad

When I think of vibrant and exotic meals, I often return to this Moroccan chicken tagine recipe. The combination of spices like cinnamon, cumin, and ginger brings a warmth that fills the kitchen, while the tender chicken and dried fruits create a comfort I crave on any day. I love serving it over fluffy couscous to soak up the rich sauce, making every bite a delightful journey through flavors. This dish truly transforms a weeknight dinner into an inspiring culinary experience.

Created by

Jocelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:45:34.772Z

Preparing this Moroccan chicken tagine has become a cherished tradition in my home. I remember the first time I made it; I was captivated by the exciting aromas wafting through my kitchen. The key to success lies in allowing the spices to bloom in the oil before adding the chicken and liquid, as this deepens the flavors remarkably.

One detail that transformed my tagine was adding a touch of honey towards the end of cooking. It balanced the savory and sweet elements perfectly, enhancing the dried fruits' natural flavors. This dish has since become a go-to for gatherings, and my friends can’t get enough!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Aromatic spices that transport you to Morocco
Tender chicken stewed to perfection
Exquisite balance of savory and sweet flavors

      

The Magic of Spices

The spices in this Moroccan chicken tagine truly bring the dish to life. Ground cumin, cinnamon, and ginger play essential roles not only in flavor but also in aroma. Cumin adds a warm, earthy depth, while cinnamon introduces a subtle sweetness that complements the dried fruits. Ginger lends a refreshing zing, making the overall flavor profile rich and complex. If you’re looking to enhance these flavors, consider toasting the spices in the pan briefly before adding the other ingredients; this helps release their essential oils, intensifying their impact.

You can’t overlook the influence of dried fruits, which may seem unconventional but are crucial for balance. The sweetness of apricots and prunes contrasts beautifully with the savory notes of the chicken and spices. If dried fruits aren’t available, feel free to experiment with raisins or figs as acceptable substitutes. Each option will impart its unique sweetness, so don’t hesitate to adapt based on what you have on hand.

Cooking Techniques to Enhance Flavor

Browning the chicken is a vital step in this recipe. This initial sear creates a luscious foundation for flavor, leading to a beautifully caramelized skin that's rich and crispy. Use medium heat for this process, allowing the chicken to brown for about 5-7 minutes on each side. If you notice that it's sticking, you may need to let it cook a little longer before flipping. Do not rush this step; the golden color indicates well-developed flavors that you’ll appreciate in the final dish.

When simmering, it’s essential to keep the pot covered, allowing the steam to condense and keep the chicken moist while the flavors meld. Maintaining a gentle simmer is key—too vigorous a boil can lead to tough chicken. After approximately 45 minutes, check for tenderness; the chicken should easily pull away from the bone. If not, close the lid and allow it to further cook in increments of 10 minutes until tender.

Serving and Storing

Serving this tagine over fluffy couscous not only absorbs the rich sauce but also adds a lovely texture to each bite. To prepare couscous, simply combine it with boiling water in a 1:1 ratio, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork before serving to enhance its lightness. You may also consider adding a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil for a fresh finish that brightens the dish.

For leftovers, store the tagine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating gently allows the flavors to further develop, making the dish even better the next day. If you wish to freeze, let the tagine cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened.

Ingredients

For the Tagine

4 chicken thighs, bone-in
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup prunes, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

How to Make Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Prepare the Ingredients

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Chop the onion, garlic, dried fruits, and set them aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large tagine or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, browning them on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics and Spices

Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Stir in the spices and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Dish

Return the chicken to the pot, add the chicken broth, chickpeas, and dried fruits. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat. Cook for 45 minutes.

Serve

Once the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens, adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro over couscous.

Enjoy your delicious Moroccan chicken tagine!

Pro Tips

For an authentic touch, consider using preserved lemons or olives as a garnish. Also, cooking over low heat allows the flavors to integrate beautifully.

Ingredient Spotlight: Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the star of this dish, boasting a higher fat content than chicken breasts. This translates to juicier meat that stands up beautifully to slow cooking. If you're looking for a leaner option, you could substitute boneless chicken breasts, but you may lose some of the tenderness and flavor depth. Should you choose this route, reduce the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Consider marinating the chicken thighs in the spices and olive oil prior to cooking for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This step draws out the flavor of the spices deeper into the meat. If you're short on time, simply seasoning right before cooking will still yield delicious results.

Adjusting Sweetness and Spice Levels

One of the appealing aspects of this Moroccan chicken tagine is its adaptability to personal taste. Should you prefer a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small chopped chili pepper when you introduce the spices. Alternatively, if you wish to tone down the sweetness from the dried fruits, you can reduce their quantity or balance them with a splash of vinegar at the end to introduce acidity.

Taste is paramount. Be sure to sample the sauce before serving; adjust with salt, pepper, or more spices as needed. This will ensure a well-rounded dish that appeals to your personal preferences. Remember, balancing flavors is key, so don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to your liking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work well, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.

→ What can I substitute for chickpeas?

You can use lentils or kidney beans as alternatives based on your preference.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. It lasts well for up to 2 months.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant and zucchini, and vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.