Citrus Chicken Tagine

Embark on a culinary journey to North Africa with this vibrant Citrus Chicken Tagine, a tantalizing symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Succulent chicken thighs are simmered to tenderness in a fragrant mixture of warm spices—cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric—elevated by the zest and juice of fresh oranges, preserved lemon, and sweet raisins. Carrots, green olives, and a garnish of fresh herbs infuse each bite with bright and wholesome notes, while a hint of toasted almonds adds an optional crunch. Perfectly paired with fluffy couscous or rice, this one-pot wonder is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this hearty, slow-simmered dish is your gateway to authentic Moroccan tagine cooking.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 whole preserved lemon
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup green olives
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 medium carrots
• 0.5 cup raisins
• 0.25 cup slivered almonds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Sear them in the pot, skin side down, until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Peel and grate the ginger.

Step 4

In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the spices: ground cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.

Step 6

Add the chicken stock, orange juice, and orange zest to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.

Step 7

Slice the preserved lemon into quarters, remove the seeds, and finely chop it. Add it to the pot along with the seared chicken thighs.

Step 8

Peel and slice the carrots into thick rounds. Add the carrots, raisins, and green olives to the pot.

Step 9

Lower the heat and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer gently for 60-75 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well-developed.

Step 10

Chop the fresh cilantro and parsley. Stir them into the tagine during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.

Step 11

If desired, toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet until golden, then use them as a garnish.

Step 12

Serve the Citrus Chicken Tagine hot over steamed couscous, rice, or with warm flatbread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2701.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3449.2

Total Fat 189.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 888.6mg	0%
Sodium 8667.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 159.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.5g	0%
Total Sugars 94.9g
Protein 280.9g	0%

Vitamin D 63IU	0%
Calcium 743.5mg	0%
Iron 21.5mg	0%
Potassium 4762.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.1%

Protein: 32.4%

Carbs: 18.4%