Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine Recipe

Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine is a fragrant, slow-cooked Moroccan-inspired dish packed with tender chicken, warm spices, vegetables, and a touch of sweetness from dried fruit. It’s a comforting and richly flavoured one-pot meal that fills your kitchen with aromatic spices while the chicken becomes soft and juicy.
This recipe usually serves 4–6 people and takes around 1 hour to prepare and cook. In this guide, you’ll learn how to build layers of flavour, choose the right spices, and simmer everything gently so the tagine develops its signature deep, warming taste.

What Makes This Recipe Worth Making

• Full of flavour – Traditional Moroccan spices give a deep, aromatic taste.
• One-pot convenience – Everything cooks together, making cleanup easy.
• Tender, juicy chicken – Slow cooking keeps the meat soft and flavourful.
• Naturally balanced – A mix of savoury, sweet, and spiced notes creates a complete meal.
• Customisable – Works with vegetables, dried fruits, chickpeas, or different cuts of chicken.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine Recipe?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tagine is a Moroccan-style stew made by simmering chicken with spices, onions, tomatoes, dried fruit, and vegetables. It’s cooked slowly to create a rich, aromatic sauce with tender chicken and deep, layered flavours.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine Ingredients List

• 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 courgette, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 small handful dried apricots or raisins
• 300ml chicken stock
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Fresh coriander for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

More recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver Moroccan Lamb

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine – Simple Steps

Step 1. Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot and sear the chicken thighs until lightly golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2. Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Step 3. Add the Spices

Sprinkle in cinnamon, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. Stir for 30 seconds to release their aroma.

Step 4. Add Vegetables and Fruit

Add the carrot, pepper, courgette, and dried apricots. Stir well to coat them in the spices.

Step 5. Add Chicken Back In

Place the chicken back into the pot, nestling it between the vegetables.

Step 6. Pour in Liquids

Add the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7. Simmer Gently

Cover and simmer for 40–45 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 8. Finish With Freshness

Stir in lemon juice and top with fresh coriander before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine

• Using too little liquid can cause the tagine to dry out.
• Not browning the chicken first reduces flavour depth.
• Adding dried fruit too late can prevent it from softening.
• Rushing the simmering time makes the chicken tough.
• Adding lemon too early can dull its brightness.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine

• Couscous – Absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
• Fluffy rice – A simple base that balances the spices.
• Warm flatbread – Great for scooping up the sauce.
• Roasted vegetables – Adds extra texture and colour.
• Mint yoghurt dip – Refreshes the palate between bites.

Expert Tips to Get This Jamie Oliver Chicken Tagine Right

• Use chicken thighs – They stay tender during long cooking.
• Toast spices briefly – Enhances aroma and flavour.
• Cook low and slow – Gives the sauce time to develop complexity.
• Balance sweetness – Adjust dried fruit to taste to avoid overly sweet results.
• Garnish well – Fresh herbs and lemon brighten the deep flavours.

How to Add More Flavour to Chicken Tagine

• Add preserved lemon – Gives a bold Moroccan citrus note.
• Use harissa paste – Adds spice and smoky depth.
• Add saffron – Enhances colour and aroma.
• Stir in olives – Introduces salty complexity.
• Add chickpeas – Provides extra bulk and nutrition.

How to Adjust Chicken Tagine for Kids

Reduce or skip paprika and cumin for milder flavour, chop vegetables finely for easier eating, and omit dried fruit if they prefer a less sweet stew.

Is Chicken Tagine Gluten-Free?

Yes, chicken tagine is naturally gluten-free if all ingredients (especially stock) are gluten-free.

Best Way to Store Chicken Tagine Leftovers

• Cool fully first – Prevents condensation that can thin the sauce.
• Store in airtight containers – Keeps well for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for longer storage – Freezes well for up to 2 months.

Best Ways to Reheat Chicken Tagine Leftovers

• Stovetop – Simmer gently until heated through.
• Microwave – Warm in intervals, stirring between each.
• Add a splash of stock – Helps revive the sauce if it thickens too much.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g

Best Chicken Cuts to Use for Chicken Tagine

Bone-in chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and absorb spices well. Drumsticks or bone-in legs also work beautifully.

Can I Make Chicken Tagine in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, sear the chicken and soften the onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for making chicken tagine?

Bone-in chicken thighs work best because they stay tender during long cooking, absorb spices well, and create a richer, more flavourful sauce compared to lean cuts like breast.

Why is my chicken tagine sauce too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer the tagine uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to reduce excess liquid. Using less stock or adding vegetables like carrots can also help naturally thicken the sauce.

Can I make chicken tagine without dried fruit?

Yes, you can omit dried fruit if you prefer a less sweet tagine. The dish will still be flavourful, and you can replace the sweetness with olives, chickpeas, or extra vegetables for balance.

Can chicken tagine be made ahead of time?

Chicken tagine tastes even better the next day because the spices deepen overnight. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop for the best flavour.

Final Words

This chicken tagine is hearty, aromatic, and full of comforting flavours, making it perfect for both special dinners and simple weekday meals. With warm spices, tender chicken, and a rich sauce, it’s a dish that feels satisfying and deeply flavourful every time you make it.

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