Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Name: Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in & skin-on; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1/2 cup almonds, toasted; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Cultural Kitchen

I’ve always been fascinated by the vibrant spices and warm aromas of Moroccan cuisine. Making Moroccan Chicken Tagine at home has truly become a passion of mine. With its unique combination of spices, tender chicken, and the sweetness of dried fruits, this dish is a feast for the senses. I love that it transports me right to the bustling markets of Marrakech with every bite. Whether enjoying it alone or sharing with friends, it’s a recipe that impresses every time and brings a taste of the world to my kitchen.

Created by

Madeline Archer

Last updated on 2026-01-26T01:53:42.964Z

When I first attempted to make Moroccan Chicken Tagine, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful the dish turned out. The magic lies in the balance of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, which create a wonderfully aromatic sauce. I also discovered that marinating the chicken beforehand yields a deeper flavor, so don’t skip that step!

On my journey to perfecting this recipe, I learned the importance of using a traditional tagine pot. It helps to lock in moisture and infuse the chicken with the spices. The result is a tender, succulent dish full of layered flavors that truly enchants the palate.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Aromatic spices create a delicious depth of flavor.
Tender chicken that melts in your mouth.
A beautiful presentation perfect for gatherings.

The Importance of Marination

Marinating the chicken thighs is crucial for infusing them with flavor. The combination of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika not only enhances the dish's aromatic quality but also tenderizes the meat. I recommend letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, consider refrigerating it overnight. This step allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and satisfying bite.

If you're short on time, even a 15-minute marination can provide some flavor. However, if you choose to skip marination altogether, simply ensure to season the chicken generously while browning it. This can help achieve a nice crust, but for that authentic Moroccan taste, marination is the way to go.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

Cooking the chicken in a tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot is essential for evenly distributing heat. When browning the chicken, a medium heat setting is ideal; too high, and you risk burning the spices while the chicken remains undercooked. Look for a golden-brown color on the chicken, which typically takes about 5 minutes per side. If using a heavy-bottomed pot, you may need to adjust your heat slightly to keep the cooking consistent throughout.

After browning, the simmering stage is where the magic happens. Adding the diced tomatoes and chicken broth creates a sauce that will both cook the chicken to tenderness and develop rich flavors. Keep the pot covered during this time to retain moisture; this will typically take around 45 minutes. To check for doneness, the chicken should easily pull away from the bone.

Serving and Storing Your Tagine

Moroccan Chicken Tagine is traditionally served with fluffy couscous, which is perfect for soaking up the savory sauce. If you're feeling creative, try serving it over quinoa for a protein-packed twist. Garnishing with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro adds both texture and a burst of freshness, elevating each serving. This dish not only looks beautiful but also provides a feast for the senses with its diverse textures and flavors.

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth as needed to prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing the tagine, which can last up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this Moroccan Chicken Tagine:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in & skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup almonds, toasted
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Gather these ingredients to bring the flavors of Morocco into your kitchen!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Moroccan Chicken Tagine:

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika. Drizzle with olive oil and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Brown the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken thighs to the pot, browning on both sides for about 5 minutes each until golden.

Simmer the Dish

Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, adding the chopped apricots. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 45 minutes.

Finish Up

Once the chicken is tender, sprinkle with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy with couscous or warm bread!

Serve this dish warm, letting the spices and textures complement each other beautifully.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of saffron when simmering the sauce. It beautifully enhances the overall taste and color of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

This Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various ingredient substitutions based on availability or dietary preferences. If you're looking for a more aromatic twist, you can substitute chicken thighs with bone-in chicken breasts. While they may not be as moist, they can still yield delicious results when cooked properly.

For a vegetarian option, consider swapping the chicken for hearty vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and chickpeas. You can still follow the marination and cooking techniques; just reduce the simmering time as vegetables cook faster than chicken.

Flavor Enhancements

If you're passionate about creating layers of flavor, consider adding a pinch of saffron or a dash of harissa paste during the simmering phase. These additions can deepen the flavor profile and introduce a hint of spice and complexity that Moroccan dishes are known for. Both saffron and harissa bring unique characteristics to the dish, so feel free to experiment with the amounts based on your preference.

Another way to enhance the dish is to add a teaspoon or two of honey or brown sugar alongside the dried apricots. This can balance the acidity of the tomatoes while enhancing the overall sweetness, creating a more rounded flavor that beautifully complements the spices.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken cooks faster and is still delicious in this recipe!

→ What can I substitute for dried apricots?

You can use raisins or dried figs as an excellent alternative.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace chicken with chickpeas and add more vegetables like carrots and zucchini.

→ Is a tagine pot necessary?

While a tagine pot is traditional, any heavy-bottomed pot with a lid will work well to create a similar effect.