Merry's Moroccan Chicken Tagine: A Flavorful 70th Birthday Celebration!

Moroccan Chicken Tagine! Sweet and Spicy! Yum!

This flavorful Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, featuring tender chicken drumsticks simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce with vibrant spices, dried fruits, and olives. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare and will transport your taste buds to the heart of Morocco.

Tagine cookery allows for all of the moisture and flavor to be locked in.

Let's Celebrate with Moroccan Chicken Tagine

I recently celebrated a milestone birthday – the big 7-0! – and among the many wonderful gifts I received was this absolutely stunning Tagine. It was the perfect present for a home cook like me, and I couldn't wait to christen it with a special dish. What better way to celebrate than with a fragrant and flavorful Moroccan Chicken Tagine?

The aromatics marry making for such flavorful chicken.

This recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, with tender chicken drumsticks simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce with vibrant spices, dried fruits, and olives. It's surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion. And trust me, the aroma alone will transport you straight to the heart of Morocco!

Let's get started! Chop aromatics and measure seasoning!

Moroccan Chicken Tagine Steps are Quite Easy

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the drumsticks with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they're well coated.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in your Tagine (or a large, heavy-bottomed pot) over medium heat. Sear the drumsticks for 8 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes. This browning adds so much flavor!

   
   

   

   Veggies and spices are softened before adding tomatoes and chicken broth.

   
   

3. Sauté the Veggies: Remove the chicken and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the Tagine. Add the onion, carrots, and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Covering the Tagine helps speed things up.

4. Spice It Up: Add all the spices (smoked paprika, coriander, cumin, granulated garlic, ginger, and turmeric) and the grated garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromas.

5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the diced tomatoes, olives, cranberries, dates, lemon zest, lemon juice, red wine, chicken broth, and agave syrup or honey. This is where the magic happens! Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add any optional flavor boosters if you're feeling adventurous.

6. Braise the Chicken: Nestle the seared drumsticks into the simmering sauce, making sure they're well coated. Cover the Tagine and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the meat is falling off the bone. An internal temperature of 200°F is ideal.

7. Serve and Enjoy!: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the bone and serve the flavorful sauce over seasoned rice or couscous. Garnish with fresh cilantro and parsley for a pop of freshness.

   
   

   

   Le Creuset offers quality Tagines!

A Gift and a Dish to Remember

This Tagine isn't just a cooking vessel; it's a reminder of the joy and love shared when friends and family gather. Every time I use it, I'll think Jan Jaffe, my friend for over 40 years who wanted to gift me with something special. And this delicious Moroccan Chicken Tagine, it's a gift to my belly!

This recipe serves 3, but you can easily adjust it to feed a larger crowd.

Recipe Notes

• Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits, like apricots or prunes.

• Preserved lemons are a fantastic addition if you have them on hand.

• Fresh mint, thyme, or rosemary also make wonderful garnishes.

• If you don't have a tagine, a Dutch Oven will work beautifully with no adjustments!

  Conclusion

  This Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a true celebration of flavor, and I'm so happy to share it with you. Whether you have a beautiful new Tagine or just a trusty pot, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It's a delicious and memorable meal that's perfect for any occasion. And if you happen to be celebrating a milestone birthday, well, even better! Cheers to good food, good company, and many more flavorful years to come!

  

  Feel free to change up the spices and heat level to your palate!

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