Description
Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a vibrant, aromatic stew featuring tender chicken thighs, sweet carrots, briny olives, and citrusy notes in a warm blend of North African spices. A one-pot meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 3 garlic cloves (2 minced, 1 for lemon zest mix)
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup cracked green olives (or preferred green olives, pitted and halved)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Mix paprika, cumin, cayenne, ginger, coriander, and cinnamon in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine 1 tsp lemon zest with 1 minced garlic clove and set aside.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear in hot olive oil until golden brown on both sides. Remove and peel off skins. Set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions until lightly browned. Stir in remaining garlic, spice mix, and flour. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, honey, remaining lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Scrape the bottom to release any brown bits.
- Return chicken and juices to the pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add carrots and simmer another 10 minutes until chicken is tender and carrots are just cooked.
- Stir in olives, garlic-zest mixture, chopped cilantro, and fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm over couscous, rice, or with flatbread.
Notes
- Substitute carrots with sweet potatoes or butternut squash for variation.
- Use preserved lemon instead of fresh zest if available.
- For more heat, increase cayenne pepper slightly.
- Castelvetrano or your favorite green olives work well.
- Flavors deepen overnight—great for making ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
