Moroccan Preserved Lemons Chicken Tagine

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Enjoy a taste of sunshine with this delicious Moroccan chicken tagine with preserved lemons. Decadent, fragrant, juicy chicken pieces in a mouthwatering spicy sauce with the tang of preserved lemons. All made in one pan!

Moroccan Chicken and Preserved Lemons Tagine is a beautiful balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices that includes ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon, which create a warm and fragrant base for the dish. The preserved lemons add a unique and tangy flavor that complements the savory chicken and spices. The chicken broth and honey add a touch of sweetness that balances out the tanginess of the lemons. The dish is rich and complex in flavor, with a perfect balance of salty, sour, and sweet notes. The cilantro garnish adds a fresh, herbaceous note that rounds out the flavor profile.

History of tagine

The tagine, also called tajine, is a traditional clay cooking pot used in North African cuisine for centuries. The tagine is named after the dish that is cooked in it, which is also called tagine.
The exact origin of the tagine is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Morocco or Tunisia. The tagine was traditionally used by Berber tribes in North Africa to cook stews and soups over an open fire.
The tagine is a unique cooking vessel that has a distinctive conical lid. The lid traps steam and condenses it back into the dish, allowing the food to cook slowly and evenly. The shape of the tagine also allows for the flavors and aromas of the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
Tagines are typically made from clay or ceramic and are decorated with intricate designs and patterns. The clay or ceramic material allows the tagine to retain heat and keep food warm for an extended period.
In addition to being a functional cooking vessel, the tagine is also a cultural symbol in North African cuisine. Sharing a tagine dish with friends and family is an everyday social activity in Morocco and other North African countries.
Today, the tagine has become a popular cooking vessel worldwide, with many chefs and home cooks using it to create flavorful and exotic dishes.
Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its unique blend of flavors and spices, and this dish is no exception. It combines succulent chicken with the tangy, salty taste of preserved lemons and is slow-cooked in a traditional clay pot called a tagine. So, let’s get started and bring some Moroccan magic to your kitchen!

What are preserved lemons?

Preserved lemons are lemons that are preserved in a salt solution that, for hundreds of years, people have used to ensure to keep fruits during extended periods of travels or voyages. The salt provides a supplementary component of flavor to the sourness of the lemons, providing an unmistakable dazzling sweetness to whatever dish they are applied to. 

Ingredients

• avocado oil
• paprika
• ground cumin
• 1cayenne pepper
• ground ginger
• ground coriander
• ground cinnamon
• lemon
• preserved lemons
• cloves garlic
• bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and ground black pepper
• onion
• chicken broth
• honey
• kalamata or green olives
• chopped cilantro leaves

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TAGINE 

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for a few minutes until they are softened and lightly browned.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the pot, skin side down, and sear them for a few minutes until they are golden brown. Flip them over and sear the other side as well.
3. Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add the ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon to the pot, and stir until the spices are fragrant.
4. Add the preserved lemon slices to the pot, and stir them into the spice mixture. Then, add the chicken broth and honey, and stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the liquid and lemon slices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the pot with the tagine lid or a tight-fitting lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until it is cooked through and tender.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Turn up the heat to medium-high, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Serve the chicken hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and some lemon juice.

Now, you’re ready to indulge in the flavors of Morocco with this delicious Moroccan Chicken and Preserved Lemons Tagine. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the tangy, salty flavor of the preserved lemons adds a unique twist to the dish. The spices and aromatics create a rich and complex flavor profile, making this dish perfect for any foodie looking to spice up their dinner routine.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with adding other ingredients to the tagine, such as olives, raisins, or apricots. These ingredients are commonly used in Moroccan cuisine and would perfectly complement the chicken’s flavors and preserved lemons.

One of the best things about this dish is that it can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce the night before, then simply cook the dish on the day you plan to serve it. Your guests will be impressed by the exotic flavors and presentation of the tagine.

What to serve with?

Moroccan Chicken and Preserved Lemons Tagine is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions for what to serve with this delicious tagine:

1. Couscous: Couscous is a traditional Moroccan side dish that is often served with tagines. The light and fluffy texture of couscous is the perfect complement to the rich and flavorful sauce of the tagine.
2. Rice: If you prefer rice over couscous, try serving Moroccan Chicken and Preserved Lemons Tagine with a side of steamed or sautéed rice. Brown or white rice would work well with this dish.
3. Bread: Moroccan bread, such as khobz or batbout, is a great option for soaking up the flavorful sauce of the tagine. You can also serve the tagine with a crusty French baguette or any other type of bread that you enjoy.
4. Vegetables: A side of roasted or sautéed vegetables would be a healthy and delicious addition to this dish. Consider serving the tagine with roasted carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
5. Salad: A light and fresh salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the tagine. A simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed with a lemon vinaigrette would be a great option.

Equipment 

To make Moroccan Chicken and Preserved Lemons Tagine, you will need a few pieces of equipment:

1. Tagine or heavy-bottomed pot: A tagine is a traditional Moroccan cooking vessel made of ceramic or clay. It has a cone-shaped lid that helps to circulate steam and keep the dish moist while cooking. You can use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid if you don’t have a tagine.
2. Cutting board and knife: to chop the onion, garlic, and preserved lemons.
3. Large bowl: to mix the spice blend that will be used to season the chicken.
4. Measuring spoons: for spices, honey, and chicken broth.
5. Wooden spoon or spatula: to sauté the onions and garlic and to stir the chicken and sauce as it cooks.
6. Serving platter: to transfer the chicken and sauce onto.
7. Optional: If you are serving the tagine with couscous, you will also need a pot to cook the couscous in and a fork to fluff it up once it’s done.

How to storage

Here are some tips for storing the tagine:

1. Let the tagine cool to room temperature before storing it. This will help to prevent condensation from forming in the container and causing the dish to become soggy.
2. Transfer the tagine to an airtight container. If you used a tagine to cook the dish, you can simply put the lid back on and store it in the refrigerator. If you used a different type of pot, transfer the tagine to a container with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Store the tagine in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to consume leftovers within this time frame to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat.
4. When reheating the tagine, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help revive the sauce and prevent the chicken from drying out. Reheat the tagine on the stovetop over medium heat, occasionally stirring until it is heated through.

What we like about this dish:

Moroccan Chicken and Preserved Lemons Tagine is a dish that has a lot to love! Here are some of the things that make this dish so special:

1. Flavorful: The blend of spices, tangy preserved lemons, and tender chicken create a delicious and complex flavor that is hard to resist. This dish is both savory and slightly sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser for people with a range of taste preferences.
2. Hearty: Moroccan Chicken and Preserved Lemons Tagine is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The tender chicken and sauce are great for soaking up with bread or rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
3. Healthy: This dish is made with whole food ingredients, including lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. The spice blend also adds a boost of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to the dish.
4. Easy to Make: While the ingredient list may look long, this dish is actually quite easy to make. Once you’ve prepped the ingredients, all you have to do is add them to the tagine or pot and let it simmer away on the stove. The end result is a delicious and impressive meal that looks and tastes like it took a lot of effort.

Moroccan Chicken and Preserved Lemons Tagine is a dish that checks all the boxes for a great meal: it’s flavorful, hearty, healthy, and easy to make. It’s no wonder that this dish is a staple in Moroccan cuisine and a favorite of foodies all over the world.

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