Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine Recipe

Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine is a flavorful and aromatic Moroccan dish, featuring tender chicken simmered with spices, dried fruits, and vegetables in a rich, savory sauce. This slow-cooked meal brings together sweet and savory elements, making it the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or special occasion. The warm, earthy spices combined with the succulent chicken create a comforting and impressive meal.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine

Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine is a Moroccan-inspired dish where chicken is slowly simmered with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and ginger, along with ingredients like apricots, preserved lemons, and olives. The dish is typically cooked in a traditional tagine pot, which helps lock in moisture and intensify the flavors. It’s served with couscous or flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Bursting with flavor: The combination of spices, fruits, and vegetables creates a rich, aromatic dish.
• Healthy and nutritious: Full of lean protein and nutrient-dense vegetables.
• Great for gatherings: A perfect dish to serve for a special dinner or family meal.
• Easy to customize: Adjust the level of sweetness or spice to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead friendly: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for a stress-free meal.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine

Here is what you need to make Jamie Oliver’s chicken tagine:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) – adds rich flavor to the dish.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for browning the chicken.
• 1 large onion – finely chopped.
• 2 garlic cloves – minced.
• 1 tsp ground cumin – for a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tsp ground ginger – for an aromatic kick.
• 1 tsp paprika – adds color and mild heat.
• 1 preserved lemon – sliced, adds tang and zest.
• 100g (3.5 oz) dried apricots – provide sweetness to balance the spices.
• 100g (3.5 oz) green olives – adds a briny contrast.
• 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes – form the base of the sauce.
• 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken stock – for a rich, savory base.
• Fresh coriander (optional) – for garnish.
• Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.

Equipment

• Tagine or heavy-bottomed pot – for slow-cooking the chicken.
• Wooden spoon – for stirring.
• Knife and chopping board – for preparing the vegetables and chicken.

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine

Follow these simple steps to make this recipe:

Step 1: Brown the chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the onions and garlic

• In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Add the spices

• Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.

Step 4: Build the sauce

• Add the canned chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, preserved lemons, apricots, and olives to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook the chicken

• Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

• Once cooked, garnish the Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine with fresh coriander. Serve hot with couscous or flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine

• Couscous: A traditional accompaniment that absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Flatbread: Perfect for scooping up the chicken and sauce.
• Rice: A great alternative to couscous, offering a hearty side.
• Green salad: A light, fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine

• Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken adds depth of flavor to the dish as it slow-cooks.
• Adjust the sweetness: For a sweeter dish, add more apricots or a touch of honey. For a more savory version, reduce the amount of dried fruit.
• Use a tagine pot: If you have a traditional tagine, use it to lock in moisture and create a more intense flavor. A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot works just as well.
• Simmer low and slow: Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop fully and makes the chicken extra tender.
• Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh coriander or mint for added brightness.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine

• Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots.
• Spicy tagine: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Lamb tagine: Swap the chicken for lamb shoulder or shanks for a heartier dish.
• Lemon zest: For a fresher, zesty flavor, add freshly grated lemon zest just before serving.
• Fruit swap: Use dates, figs, or prunes instead of apricots for a different kind of sweetness.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Chicken tagine freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Portion control: Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine

• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine Healthier?

• Use skinless chicken: Opt for skinless chicken thighs or breasts to reduce the fat content.
• Limit the dried fruit: Reduce the amount of dried fruit to cut back on sugar.
• Add more vegetables: Bulk up the dish with extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
• Low-sodium stock: Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt content in the dish.
• Roast the chicken: If you prefer a lighter version, roast the chicken separately and add it to the sauce before serving.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g

FAQs

Can I make chicken tagine without a tagine pot?

Yes, Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine can be made without a traditional tagine pot. A heavy-bottomed pot, Dutch oven, or even a slow cooker works well. These alternatives also help lock in moisture and allow the dish to slow-cook for tender, flavorful results.

What is served with chicken tagine?

Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine is traditionally served with couscous, but it also pairs well with rice, flatbread, or roasted vegetables. A side salad or pickled vegetables can add freshness to balance the rich flavors of the dish.

Can I freeze chicken tagine?

Yes, Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine freezes well. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What makes a tagine dish flavorful?

The unique flavor of Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine comes from a combination of warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and ginger, along with ingredients like preserved lemons, olives, and dried fruit. Slow-cooking these ingredients together allows the flavors to blend and develop a rich, aromatic taste.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine is a delightful, slow-cooked dish full of rich flavors, perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special gathering. The combination of warm spices, sweet dried fruit, and savory chicken creates a balanced, aromatic meal that pairs beautifully with couscous or flatbread.

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