Chicken and Veg Tagine Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

There’s something truly magical about a tagine—a traditional North African stew that combines tender meat, vibrant vegetables, and a fragrant blend of spices to create a dish bursting with flavor and warmth.

Today, we’re diving into a classic Chicken and Veg Tagine recipe that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. This recipe highlights the beautiful harmony of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric, balanced with fresh ingredients like carrots, zucchini, and sweet apricots, all slowly simmered to perfection.

Whether you’re new to tagine cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is incredibly approachable and adaptable. It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup easy and freeing up your time to enjoy the delightful aromas filling your kitchen.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Let’s get cooking this delicious, heartwarming dish that will soon become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Veg Tagine recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. The tender chicken absorbs the complex spices while the vegetables add texture and natural sweetness, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

It’s perfect for those who love traditional dishes but want a simple, straightforward preparation.

The slow-cooked nature of the tagine means all the ingredients meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and aromatic sauce that’s perfect for spooning over couscous, rice, or crusty bread. Plus, it’s a nourishing meal packed with protein and fiber, making it both delicious and good for you.

Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress and comfort at the same time.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 cup dried apricots, halved
• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked or canned (drained and rinsed)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Juice of 1 lemon

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or traditional tagine
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Ladle
• Serving dish or bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps develop a golden crust when searing.
2. Brown the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your tagine or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne (if using), and smoked paprika. Cook the spices with the onions and garlic for about 1-2 minutes to release their aroma and flavors.
5. Incorporate tomato paste and broth: Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well with the spices and onions. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. This adds depth to the sauce.
6. Add vegetables and apricots: Add the carrots, red bell pepper, zucchini, dried apricots, and chickpeas to the pot. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
7. Return chicken to pot: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid but not fully covered. This allows the skin to stay tender.
8. Simmer gently: Cover the pot or tagine with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the vegetables are soft.
9. Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove the lid and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tagine. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh, bright finish.
10. Serve warm: Spoon the tagine over fluffy couscous, rice, or enjoy with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips & Variations

“For an authentic touch, use preserved lemons and green olives in place of lemon juice. They add a unique tangy depth that’s signature to Moroccan tagines.”

• Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower. Add extra chickpeas or lentils for protein.
• Spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper or add harissa paste if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Slow cooker option: Brown the chicken and sauté aromatics on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
• Use fresh herbs: Experiment with fresh mint or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Sweet additions: Incorporate a handful of raisins or chopped dates along with the apricots for extra sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken and Veg Tagine pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Couscous is the classic accompaniment, absorbing all the fragrant sauce.

For a gluten-free option, serve over quinoa or steamed rice. A side of roasted or grilled vegetables complements the dish beautifully, adding extra texture and color to your plate.

For added freshness, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce can balance the spices and add creaminess. Serve with warm flatbreads or pita to scoop up every last bit of the flavorful stew.

If you’re interested in exploring more wholesome recipes, check out our Pcos Chicken Recipes or the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe.

Conclusion

The Chicken and Veg Tagine is a wonderful representation of North African cuisine’s rich heritage and bold flavors. This recipe is not only delicious but also flexible and nourishing, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

The blend of spices, sweet apricots, and tender vegetables creates a comforting and exotic meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table.

By mastering this tagine, you’ll add a versatile and impressive dish to your culinary repertoire. Its ease of preparation and impressive taste make it a perfect gateway to exploring more global flavors.

For more inspiration, consider trying the vibrant Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or the tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe. Happy cooking!

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