🇲🇦 Morocco · Food
Saffron Chicken Tagine
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇲🇦 MAA fragrant, golden-hued masterpiece of Moroccan cuisine, this chicken tagine relies on the luxury of saffron to infuse the entire dish with a delicate, floral perfume. Slow-cooked with aromatic onions and ginger, the sauce thickens into a rich, silky glaze that is purely comforting.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Marinate the 1.2kg chicken pieces with ginger, turmeric, saffron, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Heat the 50ml olive oil in a tagine or heavy pot and brown the chicken on all sides until golden.
- 3
Add the 3 finely sliced onions and sauté over medium heat until they soften and become translucent.
- 4
Add the bunch of cilantro, tied with string for easy removal later, and 200ml of water.
- 5
Cover and simmer on low heat for 60-70 minutes, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- 6
Carefully remove the chicken and set aside, keeping it warm under foil.
- 7
Increase the heat to medium-high to reduce the remaining sauce until it becomes thick, glossy, and golden.
- 8
Return the chicken to the pot to coat with the concentrated sauce and serve hot immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast?+
While chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness, you can use breasts, but shorten the cooking time to 30 minutes to prevent dryness.
How do I make sure the saffron is effective?+
Crush the saffron threads slightly and soak them in 2 tablespoons of warm water before adding to the marinade to release the color.
What is the secret to a good sauce?+
The secret is the patience to reduce the onion-based sauce until it's nearly a thick paste, which gives that signature tagine richness.
Can I add potatoes?+
Yes, you can add diced potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal.
