Spiced Moroccan Chicken Tagine

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Embark on a culinary journey to North Africa with this Spiced Moroccan Chicken Tagine, a traditional dish renowned for its rich flavors and tender meat. A tagine is both the name of the stew and the conical earthenware pot it's traditionally cooked in, which helps circulate steam and infuse the dish with its aromatic spices. This recipe simplifies the process for home cooks, allowing you to recreate the essence of Moroccan cuisine with or without a tagine pot. Featuring succulent chicken thighs, a medley of spices, and a vibrant mix of olives and preserved lemons, this dish promises a feast for the senses.

Ingredients:

8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 cup green olives, pitted
2 tablespoons preserved lemon, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet or a tagine pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pot. Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.Add Olives and Preserved Lemon: Stir in the green olives and preserved lemon. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

This Spiced Moroccan Chicken Tagine brings the exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine to your dinner table, offering a delectable combination of spices, tangy olives, and the unique taste of preserved lemons. Serve this hearty, fragrant stew over couscous or rice to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you're looking to explore new cuisines or simply want to enjoy a warm, spiced dish, this chicken tagine is sure to transport your senses to the heart of Morocco. Enjoy the process of cooking and the delightful flavors this traditional dish has to offer.