Moroccan Chicken Tagine—oh, just the name makes my taste buds tingle with anticipation. Imagine the warm aroma of exotic spices wafting through your home as it simmers away in the slow cooker. A dish that transports you to bustling Marrakech marketplaces, without ever leaving your kitchen. My friend swears by adding a handful of dates for a touch of irresistible sweetness; I tried it once and, let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
Steps
- Place the chicken thighs, carrots, onion, prunes, and olives into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chopped garlic and sprinkle with flour, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and minced ginger.
- Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir all the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly coated with spices.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. Allow the flavors to meld together as the chicken becomes tender.
- Once cooked, garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro or nuts if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for added zest.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup dried prunes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1596 kcal | Carbohydrates: 96 g | Protein: 184 g | Fat: 52 g | Cholesterol: 864 mg | Sodium: 3372 mg | Fiber: 20 g | Sugar: 40 g
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster and can become dry if overcooked, so you should adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- What can I use as a substitute for prunes?
- If you don’t have prunes, you can use other dried fruits such as apricots or dates. These will provide a similar sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Is there a low-carb option for serving this tagine?
- Yes, you can serve the Moroccan Chicken & Olive Tagine over cauliflower rice instead of couscous for a low-carb alternative.
- How should I store leftovers of the Moroccan Chicken & Olive Tagine?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add everything to the slow cooker and start the cooking process.
Tips
- For a healthier alternative, consider serving the Moroccan Chicken & Olive Tagine over cauliflower rice instead of traditional couscous.
- Enhance the dish’s flavor by garnishing it with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds before serving.
- Make sure to stir all the ingredients well in the slow cooker before cooking to ensure the spices and flavors are evenly distributed.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of flour used or allow the tagine to cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (4- to 6-quart capacity)
