Easy chicken tagine recipe with lemon and olives

Easy Chicken Tagine Recipe with Lemon and Olives

Hey there, food lover! If you’ve ever wanted to try making a cozy, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug, this easy chicken tagine recipe with lemon and olives is for you.

Tagine is a classic Moroccan dish named after the clay pot it’s traditionally cooked in, but don’t worry—you don’t need any special equipment to make it at home! A regular pot or Dutch oven works just fine. This simple chicken tagine recipe is packed with tender chicken, bright lemon, and briny olives, all simmered in a fragrant mix of spices like cumin, turmeric, and ginger. It’s healthy, full of protein, and naturally gluten-free. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup (always a win in my book). Let’s get cooking!

Recipe Card

Recipe Title: Easy Chicken Tagine with Lemon and Olives

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 45 minutes Calories: ~380 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor, or boneless if you prefer)

– 1 onion, finely chopped – 3 garlic cloves, minced – 1 lemon (zested and juiced)

– 1 cup green olives (pitted) – 1 tsp ground cumin – 1 tsp ground turmeric

– 1 tsp ground ginger – ½ tsp cinnamon – ½ tsp paprika

– 1 cup chicken broth – 2 tbsp olive oil – Salt and pepper to taste – Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Prep the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the spices: Stir in cumin, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
6. Add olives: Toss in the olives and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with couscous, rice, or crusty bread!

Easy Chicken Tagine Recipe with Lemon and Olives

Now, let’s break it down even more simply so you can nail this dish on your first try. This easy chicken tagine is a fantastic way to experience Moroccan flavors without any complicated steps.

Ingredients:

– 4 chicken thighs – 1 onion – 3 garlic cloves – 1 lemon – 1 cup green olives – 1 tsp cumin

– 1 tsp turmeric – 1 tsp ginger – ½ tsp cinnamon – ½ tsp paprika – 1 cup chicken broth

– 2 tbsp olive oil – Salt & pepper – Fresh herbs for garnish

Simple Steps for Making This Chicken Tagine:

1. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken in hot olive oil until golden. Set aside.
3. Cook the onions until soft, then add garlic.
4. Stir in the spices—this is where the magic happens!
5. Pour in broth and lemon juice, then return the chicken to the pot.
6. Simmer covered for 30 minutes.
7. Add olives and cook a little longer.
8. Garnish and devour!

Nutrition Info (per serving):

Ingredient Swaps & Tips:

– No chicken thighs? Use drumsticks or even boneless breasts (just reduce cooking time).

– Don’t like olives? Skip them or add capers for a similar tangy kick.

– Too lemony? Use half a lemon or add a pinch of sugar to balance.

– Extra veggies? Throw in carrots or potatoes for a heartier meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

– Overcrowding the pot when searing chicken—do it in batches if needed.

– Skipping the spice bloom—toasting them for a minute makes a HUGE flavor difference.

– Overcooking the chicken—30 minutes is usually perfect for thighs.

FAQ:

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker? A: Yes! Sear the chicken first, then dump everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Q: What if I don’t have all the spices? A: No worries! Just use what you have—even just cumin and paprika will still taste great.

Q: What kind of pot should I use? A: A regular large pot or a Dutch oven works perfectly for this recipe.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked? A: The chicken is cooked when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C), and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

Q: What’s the best way to serve this? A: This tagine is delicious served with fluffy couscous, plain rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

And there you have it—a super easy chicken tagine recipe with lemon and olives that’s packed with flavor but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The best part? It tastes even better the next day, so leftovers are a bonus. [Consider adding a link to another relevant recipe here]. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Tag me on social or leave a comment—I love hearing your kitchen adventures.