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Hearty Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Featured in Chicken dishes that always work.

This traditional dish combines tender chicken with the sharpness of preserved lemons and salty olives, all enhanced by cozy Moroccan spices. It's perfect for a family meal.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:07:36 GMT
A tagine dish featuring chicken, olives, and fresh herbs in a traditional earthenware dish. Pin it
A tagine dish featuring chicken, olives, and fresh herbs in a traditional earthenware dish. | Tastyhush.com

This authentic Moroccan tagine recipe transports me back to the bustling medinas where I first discovered its magic. The aromatic blend of spices and slow-cooked tenderness creates an unforgettable dish that fills my kitchen with the essence of North African cuisine.

A Traditional Moroccan Classic

This cherished tagine combines succulent chicken with preserved lemons and briny olives in perfect harmony. The slow cooking process allows the spices to fully develop, creating layers of flavor that make this dish a true celebration of Moroccan culinary heritage.

Essential Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs: Choose plump, skin-on pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin for best flavor
  • 2 onions: Finely sliced for melting tenderness
  • 2 garlic cloves: Fresh and aromatic
  • Spice blend: Traditional Moroccan seasonings
  • 2 preserved lemons: Authentic Moroccan preserves
  • 150g green olives: Pitted and briny
  • 120ml water: For the braising liquid
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro: Finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Cooking Method

Marinating the Chicken
Season the chicken thoroughly with spices and olive oil, allowing flavors to develop.
Initial Browning
Brown the chicken until golden, then soften the onions in the same pot.
Building Flavors
Layer in preserved lemons and olives for authentic Moroccan taste.
Slow Cooking
Let ingredients slowly meld together until chicken becomes tender.
Final Touches
Finish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Un plat de poulet mijoté aux olives et au citron, garni de coriandre, dans un plat en terre cuite. Pin it
Un plat de poulet mijoté aux olives et au citron, garni de coriandre, dans un plat en terre cuite. | Tastyhush.com

Chef's Tips

For added depth, try using a mix of green and purple olives. Carrots cut into batons make a wonderful addition, absorbing the fragrant sauce as they cook. For best results, prepare this dish a day ahead - the extra time allows the spices to fully develop their character.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different chicken cuts?
Absolutely, you can go with chicken thighs or a whole chicken cut into pieces. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the cuts you pick.
→ How do I make preserved lemons?
You can buy ready-made preserved lemons from Middle Eastern stores. Or, make your own at home—it'll take about a month for them to cure.
→ What if I don't have a tagine pot?
A heavy-bottomed pot or a cast iron casserole works great. Just be sure it has a tight-fitting lid to lock in the steam.
→ How should I serve this dish?
The traditional way is with bread or couscous. You can also try it with rice or your favorite grain.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day! Cook it the day before and reheat it gently before serving.

Chicken Tagine with Olives

A mouthwatering chicken tagine slow-cooked with olives and preserved lemon. Bursting with warm spices, this Moroccan classic is packed with flavor.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
100 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Moroccan

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 chicken legs.
02 2 tablespoons olive oil.
03 2 sliced onions.
04 2 crushed garlic cloves.
05 1 teaspoon cumin.
06 1 teaspoon mild paprika.
07 1 teaspoon turmeric.
08 1 teaspoon ginger.
09 Salt and pepper to taste.
10 2 preserved lemons, cut into wedges.
11 150g green olives, pitted.
12 120ml water.
13 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro.

Instructions

Step 01

Coat the chicken with the olive oil, onions, garlic, and all the spices. Let it sit in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Heat some oil in a tagine or large pot. Sear the marinated chicken with its seasoning until it's browned on all sides.

Step 03

Toss in the preserved lemons, olives, and water. Cover and simmer on low for 45-60 minutes, letting the chicken cook until soft.

Step 04

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top right before serving it up.

Notes

  1. This classic Moroccan tagine is perfect for family meals—it tastes even better the next day when reheated.

Tools You'll Need

  • Tagine or large cooking pot.
  • Big mixing bowl for marinating.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 38 g