Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Name: Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Highlighted under: From Around the Globe

I absolutely love preparing this Moroccan Chicken Tagine. The blend of spices transports me straight to the vibrant markets of Marrakech. Not only is the dish bursting with flavors, but it also fills the kitchen with an intoxicating aroma that makes my family gather around. The slow-cooking method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, and pairing it with fluffy couscous makes for a satisfying meal. It's a wonderful way to explore global cuisine right in my home, and I can't wait for you to try it too!

Created by

Ruby Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:57:36.801Z

When I first tried cooking Moroccan cuisine, I was amazed by how unique and delightful the flavors were. The balance of warm spices like cumin and cinnamon, combined with the sweet apricots and savory olives, creates a truly memorable dish. I learned that slow-cooking the chicken in a tagine or a Dutch oven allows all the ingredients to meld together perfectly.

One tip that changed my game was to marinate the chicken overnight. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps the chicken to stay juicy during cooking. Once everything is simmering, I recommend keeping the lid on to trap in the moisture and flavors, ensuring a deliciously rich sauce that’s perfect for serving over couscous!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and aromatic spices that awaken the senses
Tender chicken that virtually falls off the bone
A wonderful blend of sweetness and savory flavors

Understanding the Flavor Profile

The spice blend in this Moroccan Chicken Tagine is integral to its deliciousness. Cumin offers a warm, earthy note, while coriander brings a slight citrusy flavor. Cinnamon adds sweetness and complexity, making it a distinctive dish. Remember to toast these spices briefly before adding any liquids; this enhances their aroma and flavor. When you smell the fragrant spices mingling in the air, you know you're on the right track.

Using quality, fresh spices is key to elevating this dish. If you can, opt for whole spices and grind them yourself just before cooking. This not only ensures maximum flavor but also introduces aromatic freshness that powdered spices lack. It's these small choices that turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Optimal Cooking Techniques

Slow-cooking is critical for achieving the perfect texture in your chicken thighs. The gentle simmering allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a tender, falling-off-the-bone experience. If you have a slow cooker, you can transfer the sautéed aromatics and chicken to it, cooking on low for about 4 to 6 hours. Just be sure to adjust the liquid levels; slow cookers retain moisture much better.

When searing the chicken, avoid moving it around too much. Let it sear until it naturally releases from the pan for a perfect golden-brown crust. A good rule of thumb is to only flip the chicken once. This surface caramelization contributes depth to the overall flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serving this tagine over couscous provides a delightful contrast in texture. I also love adding a splash of lemon juice to the couscous before serving—it brightens the dish beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

If you have leftovers, store the tagine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken. You can also freeze the tagine for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your own Moroccan Chicken Tagine:

For the Tagine

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

These ingredients will bring the essence of Morocco to your table!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Moroccan Chicken Tagine:

Sear the Chicken

In a large tagine or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Spices and Liquids

Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika. Cook for a minute to toast the spices, then add the drained tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.

Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pot along with the chopped apricots and olives. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 60 minutes or until the chicken is fork-tender.

Finish and Serve

Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the tagine over fluffy couscous, garnished with fresh cilantro.

This dish is best enjoyed warm, sharing it with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken in the spice mix and olive oil overnight. The longer you let it sit, the better!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find dried apricots, feel free to substitute them with other dried fruits like raisins or dates. They will provide a similar sweetness that balances the savory spices. Likewise, if you prefer a tangier flavor, green olives can be swapped with kalamata olives.

For a lighter option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. However, keep in mind that they may not turn out as tender. If you go this route, reduce the cooking time accordingly; about 30-40 minutes should suffice to cook them through.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your tagine seems too watery, simply remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce. On the flip side, if it's too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

In case the flavors seem flat when tasted at the end, adding a pinch of salt can help to elevate the other flavors. You can also brighten it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Scaling the Recipe

This Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe can easily be doubled if you're serving a larger crowd. Just ensure that your pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably, allowing heat to circulate evenly. Increase the cooking time slightly, but check for doneness by ensuring the chicken is fork-tender.

For even larger gatherings, you could consider making two separate batches in smaller pots. This approach will allow for better control over the cooking process and ensure that each batch retains its flavor profile and moisture levels.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out faster, so monitor the cooking time closely.

→ Is there a substitute for olives?

You can omit them or use capers for a different flavor profile.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.