Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Name: Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup dried apricots, halved; 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Cultural Table Favorites

I absolutely love making Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. The combination of tender chicken, sweet apricots, and savory spices creates a dish that transports me straight to Morocco. The best part is how simple it is to create this intricate-looking meal in just a couple of hours. It's perfect for family gatherings or a special weeknight dinner, and it pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.

Created by

Keira Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:41:34.740Z

Cooking Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine has become a cherished tradition in my kitchen. The mesmerizing blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon brings warmth and depth to every bite. Once, I experimented by adding olives to the recipe, which added a salty punch that balanced beautifully with the sweetness of the apricots. I found that marinating the chicken in the spices beforehand enhances the flavors significantly.

As I watch the tagine bubble away, the savory aroma fills my home, making it impossible to resist. I love serving it with fresh cilantro on top to elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. The secret to a perfect tagine lies in simmering it slowly; patience truly pays off! Each ingredient has its moment to shine, resulting in a rich, comforting meal that always impresses.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The irresistible blend of spices offers a taste adventure.
Tasty apricots add a sweet contrast to savory chicken.
Easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests.

Mastering the Tagine Technique

Using a tagine is a beautiful way to cook Moroccan chicken, as it allows the meat to braise slowly while retaining moisture and flavor. If you don't have a tagine, a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid will work just as well. The key is to maintain a low, steady heat. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid is bubbling gently, as too much heat can lead to overcooked chicken and burned spices.

Browning the chicken thighs before simmering is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor. Ensure your olive oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; a good visual cue is when the oil shimmers but doesn't smoke. Brown the meat until it's golden on both sides, typically about 5 minutes per side, which also helps to lock in the juiciness.

Ingredient Harmony

The combination of ground cumin and coriander provides a hearty backbone of flavor in the dish. Both spices not only contribute warmth but also complement the sweetness of the dried apricots. Ensure you toast the spices briefly in the pot before adding liquids; this step enhances their aromatic qualities and helps prevent bitterness.

If you want to adjust the flavor profile, consider substituting dried apricots with other dried fruits such as prunes or figs. They will add their own sweetness and depth to the tagine. Just remember to cut them similar in size to the apricots, as uniformity in size helps the ingredients cook evenly.

Serving and Storing Tips

For an authentic touch, serve the Moroccan Chicken Tagine over fluffy couscous. The couscous will absorb the flavorful sauce, ensuring every bite is delicious. If you're serving a larger group, consider making a large batch of couscous and serving it on a communal platter with the tagine on top—this way, everyone can help themselves.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to deepen over time, making for a fantastic next-day meal. If you wish to freeze the tagine, portion it out into meals and freeze for up to three months. Reheat slowly on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a beautiful Moroccan chicken tagine:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup dried apricots, halved
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Here’s how to make your tagine:

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large pot or tagine, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides for about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Spices and Liquids

Stir in cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, cooking for another minute. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Combine Everything

Return the chicken thighs to the pot, add the dried apricots and chickpeas. Cover and reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer for 45 minutes.

Serve

Once the chicken is tender and the sauce thickened, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving hot with couscous.

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spices overnight. You can also substitute the apricots with dried prunes for a different sweet twist.

Potential Troubleshooting

If your sauce is too thin after cooking, you can recover it easily by simmering uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. This process helps the liquid reduce and thicken beautifully. Keep the heat low so that the spices don't scorch, creating unwanted flavors.

On the other hand, if your chicken isn't fully tender after 45 minutes, it may need an additional 10-15 minutes of simmering. Make sure the stove heat is kept at low; if you notice it boiling too hard, turn it down immediately to avoid dry chicken.

Flavor Variations

To spice things up, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few saffron strands during the simmering process for an extra kick. These ingredients can elevate the tagine with added depth, making the dish uniquely yours.

For a more vibrant finish, add sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts just before serving. They provide a pleasant crunch and contrast beautifully with the tender chicken and soft apricots. Pair with a refreshing yogurt sauce on the side for a cooling element.

Cooking for Dietary Needs

This Moroccan Chicken Tagine is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions. To make it low-carb, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional couscous, enjoying the same flavor profile without the grains.

For a vegetarian alternative, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. Increase the liquid slightly and add firm tofu or seitan to mimic the texture of chicken, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken will cook faster; just reduce the cooking time accordingly.

→ What can I serve with Moroccan chicken tagine?

Serve this dish with fluffy couscous or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the chicken with a variety of vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.