This classic chicken tagine is aromatic, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It’s made with preserved lemons, olives, and a blend of Moroccan spices, creating a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken Tagine:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 4-6 chicken thighs/drumsticks
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 preserved lemons, quartered (or 1 lemon, thinly sliced, if unavailable)
- 1 cup green or purple olives
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and cilantro
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- If using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces.
- Rinse the preserved lemons to remove excess salt.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken with the spices (turmeric, ginger, black pepper, paprika, and salt), olive oil, and minced garlic.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
3. Cook the Tagine
- Heat a tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and a drizzle of olive oil, and sauté until soft.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces on top of the onions.
- Arrange the preserved lemons and olives around the chicken.
- Add water or chicken broth to the pot.
4. Simmer the Dish
- Cover the tagine (or pot) and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 45-60 minutes, basting the chicken occasionally with the juices.
- If needed, add a little water during cooking to prevent it from drying out.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and cilantro before serving.
- Serve the chicken tagine hot with Moroccan bread (khobz) or over fluffy couscous.
Tips for Success
- If you don’t have a tagine, a Dutch oven or heavy skillet with a lid works well.
- For added depth, toss in a cinnamon stick or saffron threads during cooking.
- Pair with a refreshing Moroccan salad or mint tea for a full meal.
Enjoy this authentic and hearty Moroccan dish!
