5 Simple Chicken Tagine Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Chicken tagine recipes are a fantastic way to bring the rich, exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine into your home without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're new to the slow-cooked stews or a seasoned chef, these simple chicken tagine recipes will transform your weeknight dinners with minimal effort yet maximum flavor. Here's how you can make your dinner time both a delicious and straightforward affair with these easy-to-follow recipes.

Ingredients to Know

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s get familiar with some key ingredients commonly used in Moroccan cuisine:

• Chicken: The star of our show, providing the protein and texture for the tagine.
• Spices: Cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika are staples; cinnamon, ginger, and saffron add depth.
• Preserved Lemons: They impart a unique tanginess that’s quintessential to Moroccan dishes.
• Olives: Green or black olives add a briny flavor, complementing the richness of the dish.
• Apricots or Prunes: Sweet elements that balance the spices.
• Broth: Chicken broth is often used to ensure the dish remains moist and flavorful.
• Herbs: Fresh cilantro and parsley are finishing touches for brightness.

💡 Note: While Moroccan tagine is traditionally cooked in a clay pot with a conical lid, these recipes can also be prepared in a large pot or Dutch oven for convenience.

Recipe 1: Classic Chicken and Lemon Tagine

This straightforward recipe offers a perfect introduction to the flavors of Moroccan cuisine:

• 1 kg chicken thighs, skin on
• 2 preserved lemons, rinsed and cut into quarters
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Handful of green olives
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• Chicken broth or water
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and spices. Heat oil or butter in your pot and brown the chicken on all sides.
2. Add onions, garlic, and preserved lemons to the pot. Cook until the onions are soft.
3. Add enough broth or water to come halfway up the chicken pieces. Bring to a simmer, then cover.
4. Simmer gently for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. Add olives in the last 15 minutes.
5. Garnish with cilantro or parsley before serving.

💡 Note: Adjust the cooking time based on your chicken cuts; thighs might take longer than breasts.

Recipe 2: Spiced Chicken with Apricots

Add some sweet flavors to your chicken with this spiced apricot tagine:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground ginger
• ¹⁄₄ tsp ground cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Broth or water
• Optional almonds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and spices. Brown in a pot with a little oil.
2. Add onions and cook until they start to caramelize. Stir in honey and apricots.
3. Pour in broth or water to halfway cover the chicken. Simmer covered for about 1 hour.
4. Adjust seasoning, garnish with almonds if desired.

Recipe 3: Chicken Tagine with Chickpeas and Saffron

This recipe incorporates chickpeas, bringing texture and nutrition to the dish:

• 1 kg chicken pieces
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Fresh cilantro
• Chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with spices. Soak saffron in a small amount of warm broth or water.
2. Brown chicken in oil, remove from the pot. Add onions and garlic, cook until softened.
3. Return chicken to the pot with chickpeas, saffron mixture, and enough broth to cover. Simmer for an hour.
4. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

💡 Note: Saffron can be expensive; use turmeric for color if you need a substitute, but note that the flavor will be different.

Recipe 4: Moroccan Chicken with Prunes and Almonds

This tagine balances sweet and savory with its use of prunes and almonds:

• 1 kg chicken thighs, skin removed
• 1 cup prunes
• ¹⁄₄ cup toasted almonds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp cumin
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground ginger
• Chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with spices. Brown in a pot with a little oil, then remove.
2. Add onions to the same pot and cook until translucent. Add prunes.
3. Return chicken to the pot, add enough broth to just cover. Simmer for about 45 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with almonds before serving.

Recipe 5: Chicken and Vegetable Tagine

Add a burst of color and nutrition with an array of vegetables:

• 1 kg chicken pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 sweet potato, cubed
• 1/2 cup chickpeas (canned)
• 1 tsp each: turmeric, paprika, cumin
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley
• Chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Season and brown chicken. Set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook onions, then add vegetables and spices.
3. Return chicken, add chickpeas and broth. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs.

💡 Note: Customize with your favorite vegetables for a personalized twist.

In these chicken tagine recipes, the blend of spices, the depth of slow-cooked flavors, and the balance of sweet and savory make for a weeknight meal that feels both exotic and comforting. With straightforward steps and common pantry items, you can serve up a taste of Morocco without leaving your home. Each dish offers a unique exploration of Moroccan cuisine, proving that with a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can craft a meal that's both exciting and easy to prepare.

Remember, the key to mastering these recipes is to play with the balance of flavors, adjust spices to your taste, and let the tagine work its magic over time. Next time you're looking for something different for your family dinner or a solo treat, try one of these chicken tagine recipes, and enjoy the culinary journey it takes you on.

What is a tagine?

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A tagine is a North African dish named after the earthenware pot it is traditionally cooked in. It consists of a shallow dish base with a conical lid, which traps and circulates steam, enhancing the flavor and tenderness of the food.

Can I use any part of the chicken for these recipes?

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Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are common due to their juiciness, but breasts, wings, or drumsticks work well too. Adjust cooking times based on the part you choose.

How do I know when the tagine is done?

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Your tagine is ready when the chicken is tender and falls off the bone easily, and the flavors have melded together. The sauce should be rich but not too thick, and vegetables, if used, should be tender.

What can I serve with these tagine recipes?

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Tagines pair well with couscous, which absorbs the sauce beautifully, but rice, quinoa, or even bread like pita or naan would also be great accompaniments.