A tagine is a cone-shaped cooking vessel, but it is also the name for a flavorful braised protein and/or stew dish from Morocco.
This recipe infuses chicken pieces with a rich, complex, and flavorful base. The tender, succulent meat, and juices are wonderful served over couscous, rice, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, quinoa, pasta, or with crusty bread.
Our thanks to February 2024 Featured Chef, Kirsten Sandoval for sharing this Moroccan inspired Tagine Chicken Recipe.
By Chef Kirsten Helle Sandoval, Mesa de Vida
Serves: 4-6 People
USWM Shopping List: Pasture-raised Chicken Thigh Pack | Pasture-raised Chicken Drumsticks | Pasture-raised Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4-6 pieces bone-in, skin-on or skinless chicken pieces (thighs, breast, or legs)
- 1 bottle Mesa de Vida Moroccan-Inspired Meal Starter Sauce (or substitute 1 5 oz can tomato sauce, ¼ cup water, ¼ onion, ¼ carrot, ¼ cup roasted bell pepper, 1 date, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1/8 tsp cardamom, ½ tsp cumin, 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp smoked paprika blended in a blender until smooth)
- 2 cups vegetables of your choice (we love a combination of green olives, preserved lemon, bell peppers, sliced onion, and diced dried apricot)
- Salt to taste
- Optional for garnish: fresh sliced lemon, fresh parsley and chopped almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- In an oven-proof Dutch Oven, or heavy skillet with high sides and a lid, heat pan to medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown on all sides.
- Add remaining ingredients (except almonds and parsley, if using), stir to combine.
- Cover with the lid and place into the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and chopped almonds if you like, and enjoy!
The burst of flavor in this recipe is truly satisfying and exceeded expectations! We love any recipe that allows you to tailor it to your family’s preference. This one certainly leaves room for your preference in proteins, spices, and parings, making it an easy, customizable week-night choice. For more uniquely inspired recipes, make sure to visit our Discover Blog today!
Meet Kirsten Helle Sandoval, the founder and C(hef)EO of Mesa De Vida – a line of globally inspired, healthy meal starter sauces and this month’s USWM Featured Chef. Kirsten’s passion for cooking stems from her decision to take control of her health, which has blossomed into a professional career as a private chef, nutritional consultant to professional athletes, and now a successful business owner. Kirsten is a mother, wife, and lover of merging healthy recipes with globally-inspired flavors, all while keeping an eye on the budget. Kirsten says that with healthy protein and a great sauce, you just cannot go wrong! Make sure to follow Kristen at IG | FB | TikTok