Moroccan-style Chicken Tagine

Moroccan-Style Chicken Tagine Recipe | Fragrant and Healthy Meal

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Moroccan-style Chicken Tagine is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with a blend of spices, vegetables, and herbs. This traditional North African dish is cooked in a tagine, a clay pot with a conical lid that helps to retain moisture and infuse the ingredients with rich flavors.

History

The origins of the Chicken Tagine recipe can be traced back to Morocco, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by families and friends. The word "tagine" refers to both the dish itself and the pot in which it is cooked. Traditionally, tagines are slow-cooked over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a delicious and fragrant meal.

Ingredients

4 chicken legs, skin removed
0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 minced garlic cloves
0.25 tsp crumbled saffron threads
4 carrots, peeled, in 2" pieces
14.5 oz (411 g) can chopped tomatoes
4 stalks celery, in 2" pieces
2 cinnamon sticks
13.25 oz (376 g) can chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp ground cardamom
0.13 tsp pepper

How to prepare

In a large saucepot, combine all ingredients except for tomatoes.
Bring to a boil, stirring, over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring and ensuring chicken is covered with liquid.
Add tomatoes; cook, covered, for 15 – 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Garnish with lemon slices.

Variations

Add dried fruits such as apricots, prunes, or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Substitute chicken legs with chicken thighs or breasts for a different texture.
Experiment with different spices such as cumin, coriander, or paprika to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavors of the dish, marinate the chicken in a mixture of spices, lemon juice, and olive oil for at least an hour before cooking.

- Use a tagine pot or a heavy-bottomed saucepot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure that the ingredients cook evenly and retain moisture.

- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less of the spices and herbs.

- For a richer flavor, brown the chicken legs before adding them to the pot.

- Serve the Chicken Tagine with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Tagine with a side of couscous or rice and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow-cooking the Chicken Tagine over low heat allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to become tender and juicy.

- Stirring the ingredients occasionally ensures that the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce and the vegetables are cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the dish.

- Substitute fresh parsley with cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile.

- Replace saffron threads with turmeric or curry powder for a similar color and flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The Chicken Tagine can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken Tagine with fresh herbs, lemon slices, or toasted almonds for a decorative touch. - Serve the dish in the tagine pot for an authentic presentation that will impress your guests.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Chicken Tagine with a glass of Moroccan mint tea or a fruity red wine such as a Grenache or Syrah.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

24g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120% DV

- Vitamin C: 40% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains celery.

Summary

This Chicken Tagine recipe is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Moroccan-style Chicken Tagine is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with a blend of spices, vegetables, and herbs. This traditional North African recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy the rich flavors and fragrant aromas of this classic dish with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Moroccan-style Chicken Tagine many years ago. It was during a trip to Morocco, where I was captivated by the vibrant colors and exotic flavors of the local cuisine. As I wandered through the bustling markets, the aroma of spices filled the air, and I knew I had to learn how to recreate these delicious dishes at home.

I was fortunate enough to meet a kind elderly woman named Fatima, who graciously invited me into her home to learn the art of Moroccan cooking. She welcomed me with open arms and a warm smile, and I could tell right away that she was a master in the kitchen. As we sat down at her table, she began to share her secrets for creating the perfect Chicken Tagine.

Fatima explained that the key to a good tagine was in the slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich and fragrant dish. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt, which would tenderize the meat and infuse it with a wonderful depth of flavor.

Next, she demonstrated how to layer the ingredients in a traditional tagine pot, starting with a base of onions and garlic, then adding the marinated chicken, olives, preserved lemons, and a handful of fragrant spices such as cumin, paprika, and saffron. She poured in a bit of chicken broth to create a delicious sauce that would simmer and thicken as the dish cooked.

As the tagine bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, Fatima shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down these recipes through generations. She spoke of the importance of tradition and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones, and I felt a deep connection to her and the culinary heritage she was passing on to me.

After several hours of slow cooking, the tagine was ready to be served. Fatima carefully lifted the lid of the pot, releasing a cloud of steam that carried the scent of spices and herbs. The chicken was tender and falling off the bone, the sauce rich and flavorful, and the colors of the dish were a feast for the eyes.

We sat down to enjoy the tagine together, savoring each bite and marveling at the complexity of flavors that danced on our tongues. Fatima told me that she was pleased to pass on this recipe to me, as she saw in me a kindred spirit who appreciated the beauty of good food and the joy of sharing it with others.

Since that day, I have made Moroccan-style Chicken Tagine countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I experiment with new spices and ingredients. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a rich and comforting meal that warms the soul and brings people together around the table.

I am grateful to Fatima for sharing her knowledge and her love of cooking with me, and I hope to pass on this recipe to future generations, just as she did for me. In every bite of Chicken Tagine, I taste a bit of Morocco and a bit of my own culinary journey, and I am filled with gratitude for the many flavors and memories that have enriched my life.