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; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup canned tomatoes, diced; 1 cup dried apricots, halved; 1/2 cup raisins; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Favorites

I absolutely love making this Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine at home. The deep, aromatic spices and tender chicken create a dish that transports me straight to the bustling markets of Morocco. With every bite, I relish the balance of savory and sweet, thanks to the medley of spices and dried fruits. It’s an excellent way to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in. This dish never fails to impress and has become a staple in my cooking repertoire, especially when I want to whip up something extraordinary.

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:25:34.524Z

When I first tried making Moroccan Chicken Tagine, I was surprised at how transformative simple ingredients could be. The unique combination of spices—cumin, coriander, and cinnamon—melding with chicken creates a completely new flavor profile. After experimenting with various dried fruits, I discovered that apricots and raisins add a delightful sweetness that perfectly balances the dish.

Using a tagine or a heavy pot helps the chicken to simmer in its juices, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat. I encourage you to slow-cook this dish for maximum flavor; it’s worth every extra minute!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Aromatic spices that awaken your senses
Tender chicken infused with rich flavors
A unique culinary experience right at home

Secrets to Perfectly Tender Chicken

To achieve perfectly tender chicken in your Moroccan Chicken Tagine, searing the thighs is crucial. Make sure your oil is hot enough, so the chicken browns beautifully and locks in moisture. Aim for a golden brown crust on all sides, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. This initial step not only adds flavor but also creates a lovely base for your spices and broth.

While cooking, keep the heat on medium-high when searing the chicken, but reduce the heat to low once you add the liquids and dried fruits. This gradual cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the aromatic flavors from the spices and the sweetness from the dried apricots and raisins, resulting in an absolutely mouthwatering dish.

Ingredient Roles and Substitutions

Each ingredient in this tagine plays a vital role, especially the spices. The cumin and coriander offer warmth and depth, while the cinnamon introduces a hint of sweetness. If you're out of coriander, you can substitute it with ground caraway seeds for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile. Similarly, feel free to swap apricots with dried figs or prunes for a unique twist.

The rich flavors are amplified by using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which contribute to the dish's overall richness. If you're looking for a lighter option, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts can work, but be cautious as they tend to dry out faster. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer if you're unsure; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Main Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup canned tomatoes, diced
1 cup dried apricots, halved
1/2 cup raisins
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Optional Ingredients

Instructions

How to Make Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large tagine or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Sauté Aromatics

Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Spices

Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.

Simmer

Return the chicken to the pot, along with the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, apricots, and raisins. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 40-50 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Moroccan Chicken Tagine with couscous or crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

Pro Tips

For extra richness, consider adding a splash of honey to the tagine while it simmers. This enhances the sweetness of the fruits and balances the spices beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Moroccan Chicken Tagine pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous or warm crusty bread, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete Moroccan-inspired meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. This bright side will balance the richness of the tagine.

To elevate your dining experience, sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts on top for added crunch and texture. You can also incorporate a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a creamy element that complements the spices beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the strengths of this tagine is its make-ahead nature. You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld even more. Simply let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat it on low heat until warmed through, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—they can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the tagine for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. The tagine might thicken upon freezing; you can easily adjust the consistency by adding a splash of chicken broth while reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken?

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

→ What if I don't have a tagine pot?

A heavy Dutch oven or any sturdy pot with a lid can work just as well.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! It can be made a day ahead and tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

→ What should I serve with Moroccan Chicken Tagine?

It pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or fresh pita bread to soak up the tasty sauce.