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- 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 teaspoon turmeric - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 large oranges, zested and juiced - 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped - 1/2 cup green olives, pitted - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish - Couscous or rice for serving The ingredients for Moroccan Chicken Orange Tagine come together to create a flavor explosion. Each ingredient plays its part in crafting this dish. Let’s start with the chicken thighs. I love using skinless and boneless thighs because they stay juicy during cooking. Olive oil adds richness and helps with browning. Next, the onion and garlic bring depth to the dish. The spices—cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric—add warmth and complexity. They transform ordinary chicken into something special. Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce, while orange zest and juice brighten the flavors. Dried apricots add a sweet touch, and green olives bring a briny contrast. Finally, we finish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color. Serving over fluffy couscous or rice makes it a complete meal. Gather these ingredients to prepare for a hearty Moroccan feast! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a tagine or pot over medium heat. 2. Next, add 1 large chopped onion. Sauté it until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. 3. Then, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute until you smell the garlic. 4. Season 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 4-5 minutes each. 5. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and turmeric. Stir well to coat the chicken in the spices. 6. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, along with the juice and zest from 2 large oranges. Bring this mixture to a simmer. 7. Next, add 1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots and 1/2 cup of pitted green olives to the pot. Gently stir to combine everything. 8. Cover the tagine or pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 40-45 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. 9. Once done, taste the tagine. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. 10. Serve the Moroccan Chicken Orange Tagine warm over couscous or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a bright finish. - Ensuring perfect chicken tenderness To keep chicken tender, don’t rush cooking. Brown the chicken for just a few minutes. Let it simmer in the broth after that. This makes the meat juicy and full of flavor. - Adjusting spice levels If you like more heat, add chili flakes or fresh chilies. For a milder taste, reduce the amount of spices. Always taste as you go to find your perfect mix. - Using a traditional tagine vs. pot A tagine helps steam the chicken and keeps it moist. If you don’t have one, a heavy pot works too. Just make sure it has a tight-fitting lid to trap steam. - Best sides to accompany Serve this dish with fluffy couscous or rice. Both soak up the sauce well. You can also add a fresh salad for a nice crunch. - Presentation tips for guests For a stunning look, use a large serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Place the olives and apricots on top for color. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spices and orange juice for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the tagine while it simmers. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Add them just before serving for the best effect. Serve with Toppings: Consider serving the tagine with additional toppings like toasted almonds or feta cheese for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} For this dish, you can swap proteins. Lamb is a great choice. It brings a rich flavor. Tofu works well for a vegetarian option. It absorbs spices nicely. You can also switch dried fruits. Instead of apricots, try prunes or dates. They add a sweet touch. You can mix and match according to your taste. Adding nuts or seeds gives a nice crunch. Almonds or pine nuts work best. They add a layer of flavor. You can roast them for extra taste. Infusing with fresh herbs brightens the dish. Try adding mint or basil. These herbs pair well with orange. They bring freshness and balance. Explore other Moroccan tagine recipes to expand your palate. Try lamb tagine with apricots. It’s a classic dish, rich and savory. You might also enjoy vegetable tagine. It’s hearty and packed with flavor. Each tagine tells a unique story. To keep your Moroccan Chicken Orange Tagine fresh, use these tips: - Refrigeration tips: Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying. Store in the fridge for up to three days. - Best practices for freezing: For longer storage, pour the tagine into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top as liquids expand when frozen. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, consider these methods: - Microwave vs stovetop: The microwave is quick but may lead to uneven heating. The stovetop reheats more evenly. Use low heat and add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. - Maintaining flavor and texture: Stir the tagine while reheating. This helps blend the flavors and keep the chicken tender. What type of olives is best for this recipe? I recommend using green olives. They add a nice briny flavor. Their taste balances well with the sweet oranges. You can try Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives too. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, thighs give more flavor and stay juicy. If using breasts, watch the cooking time closely. They cook faster than thighs. How do I thicken the sauce if it's too thin? If your sauce is too thin, mix a little cornstarch with water. Stir that mix into the tagine while it simmers. This will help thicken the sauce quickly. What can I substitute for chicken broth? You can use vegetable broth or water if you don't have chicken broth. Both will work well. They will change the flavor slightly but still taste good. How long does this dish last in the fridge? This dish lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Just reheat it before serving. The flavors will still be great! Can I make a vegetarian version of this tagine? Absolutely! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more veggies like carrots or zucchini for extra flavor. This article shared a tasty recipe for Moroccan Chicken Orange Tagine. We walked through ingredients, cooking steps, tips, and variations. Each part helps you create a delicious dish. Consider your preferences when using different ingredients and spices. Make it your own! Enjoy this meal with friends, family, or on a special night. Your cooking can impress, so dive in and experiment. You’ll love this flavorful journey!

Moroccan Chicken Orange Tagine

A flavorful and aromatic chicken dish cooked with oranges and spices in a tagine.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Moroccan
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs chicken, skinless and boneless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 large oranges, zested and juiced
  • 1 2 dried apricots, chopped
  • 1 2 green olives, pitted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • Couscous or rice for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large tagine or heavy-based pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 4-5 minutes each.
  • Sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and zest, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Add the chopped dried apricots and olives to the pot. Stir everything gently to combine.
  • Cover the tagine or pot and reduce heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  • Once done, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve the Moroccan Chicken Orange Tagine warm over couscous or rice, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.

Notes

Serve with couscous or rice for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, Moroccan, orange, spices, tagine