Savory Moroccan Chicken and Egg Tagine
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this Savory Moroccan Chicken and Egg Tagine. This dish uniquely combines tender chicken breast pieces with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and the richness of eggs, all simmered together to create a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this tagine captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine and is sure to delight your palate. Serve with warm crusty bread or fluffy couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Garlic clove
1 (Chopped)
Medium onion
1/2 (Chopped)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 lbs (Cut into 1 inch pieces)
Low sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup (None)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Parsley
1 bunch (Finely chopped)
Cilantro
1 bunch (Finely chopped)
La Kama Moroccan Spice Blend
1.5 tablespoons (None)
Salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Ginger
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Eggs
2 (None)
Egg whites
3 (None)
Instructions
1
In a tagine or a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the chopped garlic and onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2
Add the boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces to the pan and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes, ensuring they're no longer pink.
3
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to combine.
4
Fold in the chopped parsley, cilantro, La Kama Moroccan spice blend, ginger, and salt. Mix well and cover the tagine. Allow the chicken to simmer gently for about 60 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg whites until smooth and slightly frothy.
6
After the chicken has finished cooking, slowly pour the egg mixture over the chicken in the tagine. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the eggs to set and create a creamy texture throughout the dish.
7
Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with additional chopped herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Moroccan Chicken and Egg Tagine?
It is a flavorful Moroccan dish that combines tender chicken breast pieces with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and whisked eggs simmered together in a traditional tagine style.
Do I need a special tagine pot to make this recipe?
No, while a tagine is traditional, you can easily use a large skillet with a lid to achieve excellent results.
What is La Kama Moroccan spice blend?
La Kama is a classic Moroccan spice mixture typically consisting of ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and sometimes nutmeg.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and may provide a more succulent texture, though they may require slightly different cooking times.
Is this Moroccan chicken tagine spicy?
The dish is savory and aromatic rather than heat-heavy, though the spice blend provides a warm and complex flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What can I serve with this tagine?
It is best served with warm crusty bread or fluffy couscous to soak up the savory sauce.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should simmer for approximately 60 minutes to ensure it is fully cooked and tender.
Why are egg whites added to the whole eggs?
Adding egg whites increases the protein content and helps create a lighter, creamier texture when mixed with the whole eggs.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger with about 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for a brighter flavor.
What should I do if I cannot find La Kama spice blend?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts ground ginger, turmeric, and black pepper with a pinch of cinnamon.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the chicken broth and spice blend you use are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this tagine?
Absolutely, carrots, peas, or potatoes would make great additions to the simmer stage.
How do I know when the eggs are done?
The eggs are ready when they have set and created a creamy, custard-like texture throughout the chicken mixture, usually after 10-15 minutes on low heat.
What is the purpose of lemon juice in this recipe?
The lemon juice adds acidity which balances the richness of the eggs and the warmth of the Moroccan spices.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken base ahead of time, but it is recommended to add the eggs just before serving for the best texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Moroccan Chicken and Egg Tagine?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cooked eggs may become rubbery or watery upon thawing.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
A medium yellow or white onion works best for its balanced sweetness when sautéed.
Do I have to use low-sodium chicken broth?
Using low-sodium broth allows you to better control the saltiness of the final dish, but regular broth can be used if you adjust the added salt accordingly.
Can I use dried cilantro and parsley?
Fresh herbs are highly recommended for this recipe as they provide the vibrant flavor essential to Moroccan cooking.
What if I do not like cilantro?
If you dislike cilantro, you can double the amount of parsley or use fresh mint for a different but delicious flavor profile.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?
Browning the chicken adds a depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction that simmering alone cannot achieve.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, cook the chicken and spice mixture on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the eggs at the very end until set.
How much salt should I add?
Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your preference, keeping in mind the sodium content of your broth.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, with both chicken and five egg components (2 whole eggs and 3 whites), it is a very protein-rich meal.
Can I use olive oil instead of other oils?
Yes, olive oil is recommended for this recipe as it is a staple in Moroccan cuisine and adds good flavor.
Should the chicken be cut into specific sizes?
Cutting the chicken into 1-inch pieces ensures it cooks evenly and is bite-sized for serving.
Can I make this recipe for two people?
Yes, you can easily halve the ingredients to serve two people while maintaining the same cooking methods.
How do I reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid overcooking the eggs.