Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Name: Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Kitchen Creations

I absolutely love preparing global flavors in my kitchen, and this Moroccan Chicken Tagine is one of my favorites! The vibrant combination of spices, tender chicken, and rich sauces transports me to North Africa with every bite. I enjoy how easy it is to make, and the aroma that fills my home is simply irresistible. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish mesmerizes everyone at the table and sparks conversations about diverse culinary traditions.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-26T01:49:34.071Z

When I first tried making Moroccan Tagine, I was blown away by the depth of flavor and the harmony of spices. The secret lies in the blend of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, which I toast lightly to release their essential oils. This not only enhances the flavor but also fills the kitchen with an intoxicating aroma. I've learned that cooking the chicken slowly allows it to tenderize beautifully, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce.

Every time I prepare this dish, I can't resist adding a handful of dried apricots towards the end of cooking. They bring an unexpected sweetness that perfectly complements the savory notes of the tagine. I've found that serving it over fluffy couscous creates a delightful experience—not only visually but also texturally. It’s truly a dish to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Aromatic spices that fill your kitchen with warmth
Tender chicken infused with layers of flavor
Ideal for impressing guests with minimal effort

Unlocking Layers of Flavor

The beauty of the Moroccan Chicken Tagine lies in the complex layering of spices. Each spice plays a vital role: cumin lends a warm earthiness, ginger adds a subtle spice, and coriander brightens the dish. When sautéing the aromatics, make sure to cook them just until fragrant—this process not only enhances their flavors but also ensures they don’t become bitter. The golden edges on the onions as they soften are an ideal visual cue to know you're on the right track.

Temperature control is crucial when simmering the chicken. Once you add the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, lowering the heat helps the chicken cook gently, making it tender without drying out. I recommend keeping a close eye on the liquid level; if it seems too low, add a splash more chicken broth to prevent sticking.

Perfect Ingredients for a Satisfying Meal

Choosing the right cut of chicken is important for achieving the best flavor. Bone-in, skin-on thighs not only add richness but also keep the meat moist during cooking. If you prefer a lighter option, boneless, skinless chicken may work, but keep in mind that you might need to adjust cooking time to avoid drying it out.

The dried apricots add a beautiful sweetness that balances the spices in the dish. If you don’t have apricots on hand, you can substitute with raisins or prunes, but be cautious with quantities, as some varieties can be sweeter than others. Adjust the amount gradually to find your preferred balance of sweetness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this remarkable dish:

Main Ingredients

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

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready to enjoy this delightful dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Moroccan Chicken Tagine:

Sear the Chicken

In a heavy-bottomed tagine or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot, skin-side down. Sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, cumin, ginger, coriander, and cinnamon. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, making sure the chicken is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 45 minutes, until the chicken is tender.

Add Sweetness and Finish

About 10 minutes before the dish is done, stir in the chopped dried apricots and the toasted almonds. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Cook for the remaining time, allowing all flavors to meld together.

Serve

Serve the tagine hot, garnished with fresh cilantro over a bed of fluffy couscous or alongside warm bread. Enjoy!

Don't forget to share your creation with friends and family!

Pro Tips

Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can also substitute chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian option, cooking them for a slightly shorter time.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Moroccan Chicken Tagine is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance, allowing time for the flavors to meld together, which often makes it taste even better the next day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a little chicken broth if it appears dry.

If you want to prepare it even further in advance, consider freezing it. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the oven. The key is to reheat slowly to maintain the dish's texture.

Serving Suggestions

For an authentic Moroccan experience, serve this tagine over a fluffy bed of couscous. The couscous acts as a wonderful base, soaking up the rich, aromatic sauce and balancing the dish perfectly. You can prepare couscous pretty quickly; simply bring water or broth to a boil, add the couscous, cover, and let it sit off the heat for five minutes, allowing it to steam to perfection.

Another great serving option is to pair the tagine with warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for sopping up every bit of the delicious sauce. If you're looking to impress guests, consider serving the tagine alongside a vibrant salad of fresh vegetables and herbs, which adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! This tagine tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.

→ What can I serve with Moroccan Chicken Tagine?

Serving it with couscous, rice, or flatbreads absorbs the luscious sauce and complements the dish beautifully.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not spicy. The spices used provide warmth and depth of flavor, but if you prefer heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.