Enjoy the exotic flavors of Morocco with this delicious Chicken Tagine recipe served with fluffy Couscous. Tender chicken simmered in aromatic spices, flavorful vegetables, and dried fruits, topped over a bed of perfectly cooked couscous, this dish will transport you to the heart of North Africa. It's a one-pot wonder that will impress your family and friends with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation. Give it a try and add a touch of exotic cuisine to your dining table.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup green olives
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/2 cup dried prunes, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
- In a large skillet or tagine, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onion and garlic with the spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, along with the sliced carrots, green olives, dried apricots, and dried prunes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the couscous. In a separate pot, add the couscous and boiling water. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the butter.
- To serve, place a generous portion of couscous on a plate and top it with a chicken thigh, vegetables, and sauce from the tagine.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy the flavors of Morocco!
Interesting Facts
Tagine refers to both the traditional North African cooking vessel and the slow-cooked dish prepared in it.
Couscous is a staple grain in North African cuisine. It is made from semolina and is a quick-cooking and versatile ingredient.
In Moroccan culture, meals are often served with bread that is used to scoop up the food instead of using utensils.