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Discover the rich and aromatic flavors of Moroccan cuisine with this delightful Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe. This dish, characterized by its tender chicken thighs simmered with a medley of spices, olives, and preserved lemons, offers a unique culinary experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Morocco. The combination of savory and tangy elements creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also a feast for the senses. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this tagine is perfect for any occasion.

Chicken Tagine Recipe with Olives and Lemons

Discover the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine with this delicious Chicken Tagine recipe! Tender chicken thighs are seared and simmered with fragrant spices, green olives, and preserved lemons for a truly unique dish. Perfectly paired with fluffy couscous, it makes a delightful meal for any occasion. With easy steps to follow, you'll have a hearty and exotic dinner ready in just one hour. Don't forget to garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for that extra touch!

Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup green olives, pitted and stuffed (preferably with herbs)

1 preserved lemon, rinsed and sliced into thin wedges

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

1 cup couscous (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

    Sear the Chicken: In a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Flip and brown the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

      Cook Onions and Spices: In the same pot, add the diced onions and sauté for 5 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the ground ginger, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and paprika, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

        Simmer Chicken: Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the spice mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to cook for about 30 minutes.

          Add Olives and Lemons: After 30 minutes, uncover the pot and add the green olives and preserved lemon slices. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly.

            Prepare Couscous: In the meantime, prepare couscous according to package instructions. Fluff it with a fork and keep warm.

              Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle some of the sauce over it, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with the fluffy couscous on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings