Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Tagine: A Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Meal

Italian Chef Team

4 weeks ago

Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Tagine: A Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Meal

Moroccan cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and tender, slow-cooked meats. While traditional tagines require hours of simmering, this Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe delivers the same authentic taste in a fraction of the time. It’s a delicious and easy weeknight meal that will transport your taste buds to Morocco.

## Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Tagine

* **Quick & Easy:** The Instant Pot dramatically reduces the cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
* **Flavorful:** A blend of warm spices, sweet dried fruits, and savory chicken creates a complex and satisfying dish.
* **One-Pot Meal:** Minimal cleanup makes this perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein and vegetables, this tagine is a nutritious and delicious meal.
* **Authentic Taste:** The combination of ingredients stays true to the essence of a classic Moroccan tagine.

## What is Tagine?

Tagine (also spelled tajine) refers to both a North African stew and the earthenware pot in which it’s traditionally cooked. The tagine pot has a conical lid that allows steam to circulate, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes. While we’re using an Instant Pot here for convenience, the goal is to replicate the slow-cooked tenderness and rich flavors of a traditional tagine.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the key ingredients for this Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Tagine. Let’s break them down and discuss potential substitutions.

* **Chicken:** Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are highly recommended for maximum flavor and moisture. However, boneless, skinless thighs or chicken drumsticks can also be used. If using boneless chicken, reduce the cooking time slightly.
* **Onion & Garlic:** These form the aromatic base of the tagine. Yellow or white onion works well. Fresh garlic is preferred for the best flavor.
* **Ginger:** Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy note that complements the other spices.
* **Spices:** A blend of ground ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and saffron threads (optional but highly recommended) creates the signature Moroccan flavor profile. Adjust the amounts to your preference.
* **Chicken Broth:** Provides the liquid needed for pressure cooking and adds depth of flavor. Low-sodium broth is preferred to control the saltiness.
* **Tomatoes:** Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) add acidity and sweetness to the tagine. Canned diced tomatoes are convenient, but fresh tomatoes can be used if in season. If using fresh, peel and chop them before adding.
* **Dried Apricots & Raisins:** These add sweetness and a chewy texture that balances the savory flavors. Dates can be used instead of apricots or raisins, or a combination of all three.
* **Olives:** Green olives (such as Castelvetrano or Manzanilla) add a salty, briny flavor that is characteristic of Moroccan cuisine. Kalamata olives can also be used, but they have a stronger flavor.
* **Lemon:** Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to finish the tagine.
* **Cilantro & Parsley:** Freshly chopped cilantro and parsley provide a fresh, herbaceous garnish. Use one or both, depending on your preference. If you dislike cilantro, use only parsley.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the aromatics and browning the chicken.
* **Salt & Pepper:** To taste.

**Detailed Ingredient List:**

* 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon turmeric
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* Pinch of saffron threads (optional)
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered
* 1/4 cup raisins
* 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Instant Pot:** A 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot is recommended.
* **Cutting Board & Knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Measuring Cups & Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Large Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring and sautéing.
* **Tongs:** For handling the chicken.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Tagine:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
* Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Sauté the Chicken**

* Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
* Add olive oil to the pot and heat until shimmering.
* Working in batches, brown the chicken thighs on all sides until golden brown. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning the chicken adds flavor to the final dish.
* Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is called deglazing and adds flavor).
* Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 4: Add Spices**

* Add the ground ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and saffron threads (if using) to the Instant Pot. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This blooms the spices and intensifies their flavor.

**Step 5: Deglaze the Pot**

* Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to loosen any remaining browned bits.

**Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients**

* Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried apricots, raisins, and olives to the Instant Pot.

**Step 7: Arrange the Chicken**

* Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged.

**Step 8: Pressure Cook**

* Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 15 minutes for bone-in thighs, or 12 minutes for boneless thighs. If using particularly large bone-in thighs, you might need to increase the time by a few minutes.

**Step 9: Natural Pressure Release**

* Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This helps the chicken remain tender.
* After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by moving the valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the steam.

**Step 10: Finish and Serve**

* Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot and set aside.
* Select the “Sauté” function again. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it slightly.
* Stir in the lemon juice.
* Return the chicken thighs to the sauce and gently coat them.
* Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and parsley.
* Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the chicken.** Brown the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
* **Don’t skip the browning step.** Browning the chicken adds a lot of flavor to the final dish.
* **Deglaze the pot thoroughly.** Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot prevents a “Burn” warning and adds flavor.
* **Adjust the spices to your preference.** Feel free to add more or less of any of the spices to suit your taste.
* **Use high-quality spices.** Fresh, high-quality spices will make a big difference in the flavor of the tagine.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken.** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. The natural pressure release helps prevent this.
* **Taste and adjust seasonings.** Before serving, taste the tagine and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
* **If you get a burn notice:** It is important to layer correctly to prevent a burn notice. Make sure there is liquid at the bottom of the pot. If you still get a burn notice, you may need to add more broth and ensure that the tomato paste isn’t scorching on the bottom. Cancel the cooking process, add some liquid, and restart. This is rare, but can occur.

## Variations & Substitutions

* **Vegetarian Tagine:** Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, lentils, or a combination of vegetables like butternut squash, zucchini, and carrots. Add the vegetables after sautéing the aromatics and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Lamb Tagine:** Substitute the chicken with lamb shoulder or lamb shanks. Increase the cooking time to 30-40 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural pressure release.
* **Sweet Potato Tagine:** Add diced sweet potatoes along with the tomatoes for a sweeter, more filling dish.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of spices to control the heat level. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small piece of chili pepper for a spicier tagine.
* **Nuts:** Add toasted almonds or pistachios as a garnish for added crunch and flavor.
* **Honey:** A drizzle of honey at the end can enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
* **Vinegar:** If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, a splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can add a similar acidity.

## Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Tagine is delicious served with:

* **Couscous:** The traditional accompaniment for tagine.
* **Rice:** Fluffy white rice or brown rice.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and nutritious alternative to couscous or rice.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
* **Yogurt:** A dollop of plain yogurt can add coolness and tanginess.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This tagine can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day or two in the refrigerator.

* **To make ahead:** Prepare the tagine as instructed, but don’t add the lemon juice, cilantro, or parsley. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **To reheat:** Reheat the tagine in the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” function or in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. Add the lemon juice, cilantro, and parsley before serving.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover tagine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** Freeze leftover tagine in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?**
A: Yes, you can. Reduce the cooking time to 12 minutes and check the chicken for doneness. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

**Q: Can I use chicken breasts?**
A: Chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to dry out more easily than thighs. If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes and make sure they are mostly submerged in the sauce.

**Q: I don’t have saffron threads. Can I still make the tagine?**
A: Yes, the saffron threads are optional. They add a subtle flavor and aroma, but the tagine will still be delicious without them.

**Q: Can I use a different type of dried fruit?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the apricots and raisins with other dried fruits like dates, figs, or cranberries.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to the tagine?**
A: Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, butternut squash, or bell peppers. Add them after sautéing the aromatics and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

**Q: My Instant Pot gave me a “Burn” warning. What should I do?**
A: The “Burn” warning indicates that the food is sticking to the bottom of the pot and overheating. This can happen if there is not enough liquid, or if the food is too thick. To prevent this, make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing the aromatics. If you get a “Burn” warning, stop the Instant Pot, release the pressure, and add more liquid. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck food and restart the cooking process.

**Q: How do I adjust the spice level?**
A: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less of the spices. For a spicier tagine, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small piece of chili pepper.

## Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
3. Working in batches, brown the chicken thighs on all sides until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
6. Add the ground ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and saffron threads (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to loosen any remaining browned bits.
8. Add the diced tomatoes, dried apricots, raisins, and olives to the Instant Pot.
9. Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
10. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
11. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 15 minutes.
12. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
13. Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot and set aside.
14. Select the “Sauté” function again. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it slightly.
15. Stir in the lemon juice.
16. Return the chicken thighs to the sauce and gently coat them.
17. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and parsley.
18. Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Tagine! It’s a delicious way to experience the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine.

Tags: Recipes