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The Recipe · No.374 · Chicken Tagine

Chicken Tagine, and where to source it

Chicken Tagine — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Chicken Tagine Moroccan 5best2buy.com

The signature flavor is the preserved lemon and olives, added late so they stay bright against the long, gentle braise. Brown the chicken first for color, then let it cook low so the meat stays tender. Boil it hard and the chicken toughens and the sauce goes greasy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook1 hr
Makes4 servings
CuisineMoroccan
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Chicken thighs
Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay juicy through an hour of braising where breast would dry out.
2.5 lb
Ras el hanout
The warm spice blend that colors the whole braise; buy it fresh, since it goes dull fast.
2 tbsp
Preserved lemon
Salty, floral rind is the defining note; rinse it and use the peel, not the pulp.
1
Green olives
Cracked green olives add brine and bite; add them late so they do not go bitter.
1 cup
Olive oil
For browning the chicken and building the base of the sauce.
3 tbsp
Onion, garlic, cilantro
Sliced onion and garlic build the braise; cilantro and parsley finish it fresh.
2 onions

Using chicken thigh? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. BrownSear seasoned chicken skin-side down in olive oil over medium-high 5 min until golden, then set aside.
  2. Build baseSoften sliced onion and garlic in the fat, add ras el hanout, and cook 2 min until fragrant.
  3. BraiseReturn chicken with 1 cup water, cover, and simmer low 45 min until the meat is nearly falling off the bone.
  4. FinishAdd preserved lemon peel and olives, simmer uncovered 10 min to reduce, and shower with fresh herbs.
The Toolkit

Tagine or Dutch oven · Tongs · Sharp knife · Ladle

Straight Answers
Can you make Chicken Tagine in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Chicken Tagine? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Chicken Tagine ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Chicken Tagine gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Chicken Tagine vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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More Moroccan recipes
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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.374

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