Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine is a flavorful Moroccan dish that combines tender chicken with a blend of aromatic spices, preserved lemons, and olives. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or special gathering, offering a taste of North African cuisine that’s sure to impress.
This recipe serves 4-6 people and can be prepared in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine?
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine is a traditional Moroccan stew made with chicken, a mix of spices, preserved lemons, and green olives. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s both comforting and exotic.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavors: The combination of spices creates a deeply flavorful dish.
- Tender Chicken: Slow-cooked to ensure the chicken is juicy and tender.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein.
- Exotic: Brings the flavors of Morocco to your table.
- Impressive Presentation: Perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken thighs and drumsticks, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
- 400g (14 oz) can of chopped tomatoes
- 500ml (2 cups) chicken stock
- 2 preserved lemons, quartered
- 200g (7 oz) green olives, pitted
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large tagine or heavy-based casserole dish over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they are golden on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In the same dish, add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Stir in the ground ginger, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
Return the browned chicken pieces to the dish. Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and saffron to its soaking water. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Add the sliced carrot and zucchini to the dish. Stir to combine with the chicken and spices.
Step 6: Simmer the Tagine
Cover the dish with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the tagine simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 7: Add Preserved Lemons and Olives
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the quartered preserved lemons and pitted green olives. Stir well and continue to simmer until heated through.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the chicken tagine hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine?
- Couscous: The perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Flatbread: Great for dipping and scooping.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add a fresh and light side dish.
- Yogurt: A cooling contrast to the spicy tagine.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine
- Use a Tagine Dish: For authentic flavor and presentation, use a traditional Tagine dish.
- Fresh Spices: Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor.
- Slow Cook: Allow the tagine to cook slowly for the most tender chicken.
- Preserved Lemons: Do not skip the preserved lemons; they add a unique flavor.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas and more vegetables.
- Spicy: Add a chopped chili or more paprika for extra heat.
- Sweet: Add a handful of dried apricots or raisins for a sweet contrast.
- Different Meat: Try using lamb instead of chicken for a different flavor.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine Leftovers?
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Oven: Reheat in an oven-safe dish at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Sugar: 5g
FAQs
Can I make Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine ahead of time?
Yes, Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine can be made ahead of time. Prepare the tagine as directed, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine suitable for freezing?
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine is suitable for freezing. Allow the tagine to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Can I make Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine in a slow cooker?
You can make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine in a slow cooker. Follow the recipe instructions for browning the chicken and cooking the aromatics, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
How can I make Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine less spicy?
To make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine less spicy, reduce the amount of ground ginger and paprika. You can also omit the saffron if desired. Adjust the spices to your preference for a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine is a delightful blend of flavors that transports you to the heart of Morocco. The combination of spices, preserved lemons, and olives creates a rich and aromatic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.