Chicken Tagine is a staple in Moroccan cuisine, known for its rich, aromatic flavors and tender meat. The dish gets its name from the traditional earthenware pot with a conical lid in which it is cooked. The tagine pot is designed to trap steam and return condensed liquid to the pot, ensuring the dish remains moist and flavorful. This cooking method dates back centuries and is integral to Moroccan culinary traditions.

HERE’S HOW YOU MAKE IT!

Ingredients

4 bone-in chicken thighs

2 preserved lemons, quartered and seeds removed

1 cup green olives, pitted

2 large onions, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water

1 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, ground ginger, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, and coriander. Add the minced garlic and mix well to form a paste.
2. Rub the spice paste all over the chicken thighs. Cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. In a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the marinated chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side down. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, about 5 minutes per side.
5. Add the preserved lemons, olives, and saffron water to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the tagine simmer gently for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Serve the Chicken Tagine hot, with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Perfection

• Preserved Lemons: If you can’t find preserved lemons, you can make your own by curing lemons in salt and lemon juice for a few weeks. Alternatively, use fresh lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice for a similar effect.
• Slow Cooking: The longer the tagine simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. Low and slow is the key to tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken.
• Tagine Pot: If you don’t have a traditional tagine pot, a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven works just as well.

Ingredients Breakdown

1. Chicken: Typically, bone-in chicken thighs are used for their tenderness and flavor, but other cuts like drumsticks or a whole chicken can be used.
2. Preserved Lemons: These are lemons that have been pickled in salt and their juices. They add a distinctive tangy and slightly fermented flavor that is key to the authenticity of the dish.
3. Olives: Green olives are commonly used, contributing a briny, savory element that complements the spices and preserved lemons.
4. Onions and Garlic: These form the aromatic base, adding sweetness and depth.
5. Spices: A blend of ginger, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, and coriander is used, reflecting the complex and layered flavors characteristic of Moroccan cuisine. Saffron is often included for its unique flavor and vibrant color.
6. Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is added at the end to brighten the dish and add a fresh, herbal note.
7. Chicken Broth: This helps to create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.

Cooking Technique

• Marination: Marinating the chicken in spices helps to infuse the meat with flavor. The longer the marination, the more pronounced the flavors.
• Browning: Browning the chicken before simmering adds a layer of flavor and helps to lock in the juices.
• Simmering: The slow cooking process in a tagine pot or Dutch oven allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken. The conical lid of the tagine pot ensures that condensation drips back into the dish, keeping it moist.

Serving Suggestions

• Couscous: A traditional accompaniment, couscous soaks up the flavorful sauce. It can be served plain or with added ingredients like almonds, raisins, or herbs.
• Crusty Bread: Ideal for mopping up the rich sauce.
• Vegetables: Tagine can also include a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, making it a complete meal.

Health Benefits

• Lean Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein.
• Nutrient-Rich Spices: Spices like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants.
• Balanced Meal: When served with couscous and vegetables, Chicken Tagine provides a balanced meal with proteins, carbs, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.