Chicken Tagine with Butternut Squash

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Introduction

This Traditional Moroccan Dish features a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Tagine is a classic North African stew known for its fragrant spices, tender meat, and slow-cooked vegetables. This comforting recipe, made with chicken, butternut squash, and dried fruits, creates a rich, flavorful meal perfect for cozy gatherings.

  • Yield: 6 Servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Why Make This Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion: A fragrant blend of coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon gives every bite a warm, comforting taste.
  • Sweet & Savory Harmony: Butternut squash, raisins, apricots, and honey add natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
  • Versatile Meal: Great for dinner parties, meal prep, or whenever you crave a bit of Moroccan flair in your kitchen.

How to Make Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Ingredients

For the Tagine:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 can (drained) chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  • 1 cup slivered almonds
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1½ tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon harissa (adjust to taste)
  • 4 small preserved lemons
  • 4 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 3 cups water
  • Salt, to taste

For the Couscous:

  • 2 cups couscous
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 bouillon cube (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat the olive oil in a Moroccan tagine pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in the garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Cook the Chicken and Spices

  1. Add the diced chicken and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often.
  2. Sprinkle in the coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, coating the chicken evenly.
  3. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.

3. Simmer the Tagine

  1. Stir in the chickpeas, almonds, raisins, honey, harissa, and 1 cup of water.
  2. Let the flavors meld over low heat for about 10 minutes.
  3. Add the butternut squash and preserved lemons, mixing to combine.
  4. Cover and simmer for another 25 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.

4. Prepare the Couscous

  1. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
  2. Stir in the butter and bouillon cube (if using) until dissolved.
  3. Add the couscous, stir, and turn off the heat.
  4. Cover and let sit for 10–15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

5. Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove the tagine from the heat.
  2. Garnish with extra dried apricots, slivered almonds, or fresh chopped coriander (optional).
  3. Serve hot with the prepared couscous.

How to Serve Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Dish up the tagine in generous portions alongside the fluffy couscous. The sweet-and-spicy flavors pair well with a refreshing mint tea or a simple side salad. Enjoy it as a hearty dinner, perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions.

How to Store Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Tagine often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen. It can keep well for up to 3 days—just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tips for the Perfect Tagine

  1. Choose Bone-In Chicken Thighs: For extra tenderness and flavor, swap diced chicken breasts for bone-in thighs.
  2. Adjust Spices: Increase harissa for more heat or add extra cinnamon for sweetness.
  3. Broth Over Water: If you want a richer taste, use chicken broth instead of water during the simmering process.

FAQs

  1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
    Absolutely. Tagine’s flavors intensify over time, so it’s great to prepare in advance. Refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat when needed.
  2. What if I Can’t Find Preserved Lemons?
    You can substitute with fresh lemon zest and a pinch of salt for a tangy effect.
  3. Can I Use Other Meats or Make It Vegetarian?
    Yes! Try lamb, beef, or skip the meat entirely, adding more chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Enjoy this Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Butternut Squash and Couscous, a warm and comforting meal that brings North African flavors right into your kitchen!

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