Moroccan Chicken & Lemon Tagine

Today, I want to share with you a recipe that is very close to my heart. It's a traditional Moroccan chicken tagine recipe, one of the many tagine recipes that made us fall in love with Moroccan cuisine.

This love for Moroccan food even led us to visit Morocco three times in three years!

Even though I have tried to recreate this dish at home many times, it never turned out quite the way I wanted—until now.

This version truly transports you to Morocco with every bite. And while I may not be an expert, I hope you'll remember that I'm a Romanian who is simply trying to recreate an authentic Moroccan chicken tagine.

So, let's dive into this delicious lemon chicken tagine and see what makes it so special.

Instructions

• Preparing the Marinade and Chicken: Blend all marinade ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
• Cut the chicken thighs into pieces and mix them well with the marinade.

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• Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour—the longer, the better.
• Take 2 small preserved lemons, take the pulp out, and finely chop it.

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• Now, take the lemon skins and slice them into thin strips.

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• Set both aside as you will need them later.
• Cooking the Aromatic Base: I cook this recipe in the oven because my tagine doesn't work well on an induction stove. However, if you have a gas stove, I highly recommend cooking this on low heat, as it's traditionally done.
• Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
• In a Moroccan tagine or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil.
• Sauté the chopped onion  until golden.
• Add the preserved lemon pulp and minced garlic. Cook for 2 more minutes.
• Cooking the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and lightly brown it on all sides.

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• Mix the warm water with ras el hanout, turmeric, saffron, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper.

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• Let the spices infuse for a few minutes, then pour the liquid over the chicken.
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley, cover.

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• Place the tagine in the oven for 1 hour. Cook it at the bottom of the oven, not on a wire rack. This way, you'll get that delicious caramelized crust.
• Finishing the Dish: After an hour, add the preserved lemon rinds and olives.

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• Cover again and cook for another 30 minutes.
• Finally, uncover the tagine, set the oven to broil, and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken has a golden crust.

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• Serve with fresh bread. Enjoy!

Why This Dish Works So Well

Moroccan cuisine is built on deep, complex flavors, and this chicken tagine with olives is no exception. The key elements—preserved lemons, ras el hanout, and saffron—work together to create an aromatic, slightly tangy, and perfectly spiced dish.

And speaking of tagines, you should know that they are one of the most authentic Moroccan dishes, named after the earthenware pot they are traditionally cooked in. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in tender, fall-apart meat infused with spices.

As I told you at the beginning of this article, the inspiration for this chicken tagine recipe came from our travels in Morocco. I remember eating this dish in many restaurants not only in Marrakech but all over Morocco, and each time it tasted slightly different.

From a nutritional perspective, this easy chicken tagine is rich in protein, antioxidants from turmeric and saffron, and healthy fats from olive oil. Plus, preserved lemons add a boost of vitamin C and probiotics.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about this Moroccan chicken tagine:

Q: How to make chicken tagine?

A: Follow the steps above to create the perfect chicken tagine. The key is marinating the chicken and slow-cooking it for the best flavor.

Q: What goes with chicken tagine?

A: This dish pairs perfectly with couscous, flatbread, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

Q: Can you freeze chicken tagine?

A: Yes! This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat slowly to preserve the flavors.

Q: Where is chicken tagine from?

A: Chicken tagine originates from Morocco, where it is a staple dish often cooked in traditional clay tagine pots.

Conclusion

I hope you try this traditional Moroccan chicken tagine recipe and enjoy it as much as I do. When you do, don't forget to tag us and share your experience! Also, check out the full video of this recipe on YouTube, and don't forget to like and subscribe!

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