Authentic Moroccan Chicken Tagine – Classic Spiced Chicken with Vegetables

This classic **Moroccan Chicken Tagine** is a fragrant, hearty, and deeply flavorful one-pot meal. Tender chicken is slow-cooked with potatoes, zucchini, carrots, peppers, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, bay leaves, and fresh coriander, creating a rich and comforting sauce that is perfect with warm bread.

One of the most beloved North African dishes, this chicken tagine is both healthy and satisfying. The combination of fresh vegetables and warm spices makes it ideal for family dinners, weekend meals, or special occasions. Cooking it in a traditional clay tagine gives the best flavor, but a heavy pot works beautifully too.

Ingredients

• 2 whole chickens, cut into pieces
• 3 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 green hot pepper (optional)
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2 onions, sliced
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup harissa or hot sauce (daqous)
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 bunch fresh coriander, chopped
• 5 bay leaves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and mixed spices to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables by cutting them lengthwise into strips or wedges.
2. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with lemon juice, salt, black pepper, olive oil, minced garlic, and mixed spices. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. In the bottom of a tagine pot or large heavy pot, arrange a layer of potatoes and some vegetables. Place the marinated chicken pieces on top, then add the remaining vegetables.
4. Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, harissa, chopped coriander, and a little water if needed.
5. Cover and cook on medium-low heat (or in a preheated oven at 180°C) for 45-50 minutes until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Check occasionally and add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with bread or couscous.

Tips for Success

• Use a mix of chicken thighs and drumsticks for juicier results.
• Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor significantly.
• Adjust the amount of harissa according to your spice tolerance.
• This tagine tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
• Serve with fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Enjoy this warm, aromatic, and comforting **Moroccan Chicken Tagine** — a classic North African dish that brings rich flavors to your table!