Print

Chicken and Lemon Tagine with Herby Tabbouleh

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chicken and Lemon Tagine with Herby Tabbouleh is a Moroccan-inspired dish featuring tender chicken slow-cooked with warm spices, preserved lemon, and vegetables, served alongside a refreshing, herb-filled tabbouleh made with bulgur, lemon juice, and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 68 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 preserved lemon, thinly sliced (or 1 tbsp lemon zest + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 carrots (or root vegetables), peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 cup bulgur wheat
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened.
  3. Add cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Return chicken to the pot along with preserved lemon slices, carrots, and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Cover and cook gently for 45–60 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. While the chicken cooks, place bulgur in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let sit for 20 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  7. In a large bowl, combine bulgur, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning.
  8. Once the chicken is done, garnish with fresh parsley and cilantro. Serve with the herby tabbouleh on the side.

Notes

Use lemon zest and juice if preserved lemons aren’t available.Adjust the spices to your preference—add chili flakes for heat or more cinnamon for warmth.For a gluten-free version, use quinoa instead of bulgur.Tagine flavors improve over time—make ahead for deeper flavor.Pair with flatbread, olives, or a dollop of yogurt for a complete meal.

Nutrition