Print

Easy Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe with Preserved Lemon for Perfect Flavor

slow cooker moroccan chicken tagine - featured image
Print Recipe

A hands-off slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs infused with Moroccan spices and bright preserved lemon, delivering bold, authentic flavor without the need for a tagine pot.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 1 medium preserved lemon, rinsed and thinly sliced (or zest and juice of 1 fresh lemon as substitute)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • A handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine cumin, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, turmeric, coriander, and cayenne pepper; stir well.
  3. Rub olive oil over the chicken thighs, then evenly coat each piece with the spice mixture.
  4. Spread sliced onions evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker and arrange chicken thighs on top.
  5. Scatter minced garlic and sliced preserved lemon over the chicken.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and drizzle honey over everything.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is tender and pulls apart easily.
  8. About 10 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish.
  10. Serve spooned over couscous, rice, or with warm crusty bread.

Notes

Rinse preserved lemons well to reduce saltiness. Optional: brown chicken thighs skin-side down in a hot pan before slow cooking for added depth. Toast spices briefly in a dry skillet to intensify aroma. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain heat. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste or omit for milder flavor. For thicker sauce, remove chicken and simmer liquid uncovered on high for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Moroccan chicken tagine, slow cooker chicken, preserved lemon recipe, easy chicken dinner, Moroccan spices, slow cooker recipes, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-slow-cooker-moroccan-chicken-tagine-recipe-with-preserved-lemon-for-perfect-flavor/