Craving a rich and flavorful Moroccan-inspired dish? These Lemon Tagine Chicken Thighs are slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic spices, olives, and fresh lemon. Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (skin-on)
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- Fresh thyme
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon spicy pepper tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- Handful of green olives
- Salt, paprika, garlic powder, to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken
Warm olive oil in a Tagine or heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and sear on both sides until golden brown. - Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Remove the Tagine from the stove. Add sliced shallots, smashed garlic, fresh thyme, lemon slices, green olives, and seasonings (salt, paprika, garlic powder). - Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the spicy pepper tomato paste with ½ cup water. Pour this mixture over the chicken and aromatics. - Slow-Cook in the Oven
Cover the Tagine and transfer it to a preheated oven at 350°F (170°C). Bake for 3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with flavors. - Serve
Serve your Lemon Tagine Chicken Thighs with crusty bread or steamed rice, spooning the rich sauce over the top.
Tips for the Best Lemon Tagine Chicken:
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
- Slow-cooking “low and slow” ensures tender meat and a deep, aromatic sauce.
- Adjust the spiciness of the tomato paste to suit your taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and freshness.