Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Brad

Savor the flavors of Morocco with this hearty and aromatic Chicken Tagine. Perfect for a family meal or a special dinner, this dish combines tender chicken with the tart sweetness of dried apricots, all simmered in a rich, spiced sauce. Serve it over couscous with a side of flatbread for an authentic experience.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 35

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean, Moroccan, North African

Servings servings

Ingredients

1 whole chicken about 6 pounds, carved or equivalent in parts
Kosher salt to taste
2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil with a high smoke point
2 large onion chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
1/2 to 3/4 cup homemade chicken stock
1 can chickpeas drained
Zest and juice of one lemon
1 cup dried apricots or prunes
Optional: root vegetables bell peppers, zucchini, preserved lemons

For the Rub:

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Carve the chicken as described in the blog post. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels and season with kosher salt.
Make the Rub: Combine the spices for the rub in a small dish. Coat the chicken evenly on both sides.
Brown the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large pan. Brown the chicken in batches to avoid steaming. Set browned chicken aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic for just a minute.
Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan, add chicken stock, chickpeas, lemon zest and juice, and dried apricots. Cover and let it simmer, basting the chicken occasionally.
Serve: Once the chicken is tender and the flavors melded, serve over couscous with flatbread on the side.

Notes

Tips:

Ensure the chicken is dry before browning to achieve a crisp skin.
Don't crowd the pan when browning the chicken; it should sizzle, not steam.
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or parsnips during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Preserved lemons add a traditional flavor and can be found in specialty stores or online.

Notes:

The dish can be adapted using chicken thighs, legs, or breasts as per convenience.
If using preserved lemons, rinse them to remove excess salt and add them with the apricots.
For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of simmering to reduce the liquid.

Enjoy your homemade Moroccan Chicken Tagine and the rich flavors of North Africa right at your dining table!

Keyword Authentic Moroccan Meals, Braised Chicken, Carrot and Chicken Tagine, Chickpea and Chicken Stew, Cooking with Spices, Cultural Cuisine Recipes, Easy Tagine Recipes, Hearty Chicken Meals, Homemade Tagine, Moroccan Chicken Tagine, Savory Chicken Dishes, Spiced Chicken Recipe, Tagine Cooking, Tagine with Apricots

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