Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of North Africa with this exquisite Moroccan Chicken Tagine. This traditional dish, renowned for its rich, aromatic flavors, is a fusion of tender chicken, vibrant spices, and sweet, dried fruits. Cooked slowly in the iconic tagine pot, every bite is a testament to the depth and complexity of Moroccan cuisine.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 420mg
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): 4 pieces (about 800g or 1.76 pounds or 28 ounces)
- Olive oil: 30ml (2 tablespoons)
- Onion, finely chopped: 150g (5.29 ounces)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 3 (about 15g)
- Ground cumin: 5g (1 teaspoon)
- Ground coriander: 5g (1 teaspoon)
- Ground cinnamon: 2g (½ teaspoon)
- Ground ginger: 2g (½ teaspoon)
- Chicken stock: 240ml (1 cup)
- Dried apricots, chopped: 100g (3.5 ounces)
- Preserved lemon, thinly sliced: 50g (1.76 ounces)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: 30g (1 ounce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Marinate Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Brown the Chicken: In a tagine or a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, skin side down, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the pot. Add chicken stock, dried apricots, and preserved lemon.
- Slow Cook: Cover and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender.
- Final Touch: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Use a Traditional Tagine: Cooking in a tagine allows for even, slow cooking that enhances the flavors.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of dried apricots based on your preference for sweetness.
- Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this in a regular pot?
Yes, if you don’t have a tagine, use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes, but adjust cooking time as breasts cook faster than thighs.