Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine is a Moroccan-inspired dish packed with rich flavors and spices. The slow-cooked chicken becomes tender, absorbing the fragrant spices, dried fruits, and preserved lemons, creating a deeply flavorful dish. Served with couscous or flatbreads, this tagine is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy family meal.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

• Rich in flavors: The combination of Moroccan spices, dried fruits, and preserved lemon makes this dish incredibly flavorful.
• Tender chicken: Slow-cooking the chicken results in juicy, tender meat.
• Perfect for meal prep: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
• Simple ingredients: Despite the complex flavor, this recipe uses readily available ingredients.
• Warm and comforting: A great dish for cold days when you want something hearty and fragrant.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine Recipe?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine is a slow-cooked Moroccan dish made with chicken, spices, preserved lemons, and dried fruits like apricots. The dish is slow-cooked until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine Recipe Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless)
• 2 preserved lemons (rinsed and finely chopped)
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 100g dried apricots (halved)
• A handful of fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A pinch of saffron

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Smoked Salmon Quiche
• Jamie Oliver Roast Potatoes And Carrots

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or tagine over medium heat.
2. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the pan and brown them on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

1. Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pan, add the sliced onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
2. Add the spices: Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and saffron (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aromas.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Liquids

1. Return the chicken to the pan: Add the browned chicken back into the pan with the onions and spices.
2. Add the preserved lemons and apricots: Stir in the preserved lemons and dried apricots, mixing them evenly with the chicken.
3. Add the chicken stock: Pour the chicken stock over the mixture, bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Tagine

1. Cover and simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. Check the seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
2. Serve: Serve the chicken tagine with couscous, flatbreads, or rice for a complete meal.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine

• Couscous: A classic side dish for tagine, couscous soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• Flatbread: Serve with warm flatbreads or pita to scoop up the rich sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers pair well with the spices of the tagine.
• Yogurt: A spoonful of plain yogurt on the side adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm spices.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine

• Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish and helps keep the meat juicy during the slow cooking process.
• Don’t rush the slow cooking: Tagine is all about slow cooking, so give it time for the flavors to meld together and for the chicken to become tender.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you like a slightly sweeter dish, add more dried apricots or even a touch of honey.
• Preserved lemons: If you don’t have preserved lemons, you can use fresh lemon zest, but the flavor will be less intense.

Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine Recipe

• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or zucchini to the tagine for a heartier meal.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian tagine: Replace the chicken with chickpeas and more vegetables like butternut squash and eggplant for a vegetarian version.
• Different fruits: Try using prunes or raisins instead of apricots for a different sweet element.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken tagine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Chicken tagine freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the tagine on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g

FAQs

Can I make chicken tagine without a tagine pot?

Yes, you can make chicken tagine without a traditional tagine pot. A heavy-bottomed, lidded pan or Dutch oven works just as well. The key is to cook the chicken slowly on low heat to allow the flavors to develop.

What can I use instead of preserved lemons in chicken tagine?

If you don’t have preserved lemons, you can substitute them with fresh lemon zest and a little lemon juice. The flavor will be less intense, but it still adds brightness to the dish.

Can I freeze chicken tagine?

Yes, chicken tagine freezes well. Allow the tagine to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.

What is the best side dish to serve with chicken tagine?

The best side dish for chicken tagine is couscous, as it absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. You can also serve it with flatbread, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of spices, preserved lemons, and dried apricots creates a dish that’s both sweet and savory. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, this tagine is a comforting, richly spiced meal that’s easy to make and deeply satisfying.

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