Savory Moroccan Chicken and Chickpea Tagine
Embark on a culinary journey with this Savory Moroccan Chicken and Chickpea Tagine. Infused with the aromatic spices of North Africa, this dish combines tender chicken breasts, hearty chickpeas, and the tangy zest of preserved lemons for a delightful flavor explosion. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this tagine is not only a feast for the taste buds but also an eye-catching centerpiece for your table. Serve it with fluffy couscous or warm pita bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy a burst of fresh herbs and spices that reflect the vibrant culture of Moroccan cuisine in every bite.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onion
1/2 medium (chopped)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (cut into quarters)
preserved lemon
1/3 (rinsed & sliced)
chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained & rinsed)
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (none)
ras el hanout spice mix
2-3 teaspoons (none)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the fresh parsley and cilantro, allowing them to infuse their flavors into the oil.
3
Add the quartered chicken breasts to the pot, seasoning them with 1 teaspoon of ras el hanout. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on both sides.
4
Incorporate the sliced preserved lemon, drained chickpeas, chicken broth, and the remaining ras el hanout and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Season with salt to taste. Cover the tagine with its lid (or the pot with a lid) and reduce the heat to low.
6
Let it simmer on low for about 1 hour or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
7
Once done, serve hot with couscous or bread, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
14g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Moroccan Chicken and Chickpea Tagine?
It is a traditional North African dish featuring tender chicken breasts, hearty chickpeas, and preserved lemons infused with aromatic spices like ras el hanout.
What type of cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is a staple of Moroccan cuisine.
How many calories are in a serving of this tagine?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
What is the primary protein used in this dish?
The primary protein is boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What are the main spices used?
The main spices include ras el hanout and cayenne pepper.
How long does the tagine need to simmer?
It should simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.
What kind of chickpeas should I use?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
Can I cook this without a traditional tagine?
Yes, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid as an alternative to a tagine.
What should I serve with this Moroccan chicken tagine?
It is best served with fluffy couscous or warm pita bread to soak up the sauce.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this tagine provide?
It provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh cilantro and fresh parsley are used to add a burst of herbaceous flavor.
How do I prepare the preserved lemon?
The preserved lemon should be rinsed and sliced before being added to the pot.
What is the first step in cooking the tagine?
The first step is heating olive oil over medium-low heat and sautéing chopped onion for 5 minutes.
How do I brown the chicken?
Cook the quartered chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown.
When do I add the ras el hanout spice mix?
One teaspoon is added while browning the chicken, and the remaining 1-2 teaspoons are added with the broth and chickpeas.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this dish is classified as a one-pot meal.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 1.5 cups of chicken broth.
How much onion is needed for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a medium onion, chopped.
What heat level should I use for simmering?
The tagine should be simmered on low heat.
Is this dish considered spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level depending on the amount of ras el hanout and the 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper used.
What is the preparation for the chicken breasts?
They should be boneless, skinless, and cut into quarters.
How much olive oil is used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing.
Can I add extra salt?
Yes, you can season with salt to taste during the cooking process.
What is the purpose of the preserved lemon?
It adds a tangy zest and unique flavor profile characteristic of Moroccan cooking.
When do you add the fresh cilantro and parsley?
Stir them in after the onions have become translucent but before adding the chicken.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
What provides the aromatic flavor of North Africa in this dish?
The aromatic flavor comes from the combination of fresh herbs, ras el hanout, and preserved lemons.