Go Back
+ servings
Moroccan Saffron Chicken

Moroccan Saffron Chicken Recipe Card

Moroccan Saffron Chicken is a dish with an eclectic blend of spices that is easy to prepare and oh so aromatic! Like all Moroccan food, it is the blend of spices, and the slow cooking process that makes this a most delightful and flavorful dish.
5 from 12 votes
Print Pin
Course: Main dish
Cuisine: Moroccan
Keyword: authentic, chicken, crock pot, Morocco, saffron, slow cooker, tagine
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 362kcal
Author: Analida Braeger

Ingredients

Instructions

  • You can prepare this dish in a tagine dish, Dutch oven, or crockpot.
  • In a small dish place all the spices, except for the cinnamon stick. Mix well, and set aside.
  • Line the bottom of your Dutch oven/tagine or crockpot with the onions and drizzle with olive oil; add the butter, cilantro and place the cinnamon sticks on top. Place the chicken pieces on top of the onion mixture. With a sharp knife, poke the pieces of chicken in several places to allow the flavors to really seep in. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken; toss and cover.
  • Cook on low heat for about 1 hour or until chicken is very tender. Baste with the juices during the cooking process.  You can add and remove water during the cooking process but the chicken should simmer in liquid but not overflow the dish.
  • If using a crock-pot or other cooking vessel, please adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Serve with rice pilaf or couscous.

Notes

Key tip: Feel free to add or remove some water to allow the meat to simmer in liquid but not overflow.
Here are some notes on using a slow cooker instead of a tagine.  Most slow cookers cook on high and this is the correct setting for this dish.  You only need to check the chicken with a fork for doneness. It should be very tender and separate very easy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
    • How long can I store my saffron chicken tagine? Once the stew has completely cooled, you can store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
    • Can I freeze the leftover chicken tagine? Yes, you must completely cool the stew before freezing. Store in airtight containers for up to one month for the best flavor.
    • How long can I leave saffron chicken tagine out at room temperature? You need to refrigerate as soon as it reaches room temperature. If it has been left out more than 2 hours it will need to be discarded. For food safety, keep in mind that bacteria can grow after 2 hours in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 140°F.
    • How do I make the Moroccan saffron chicken in a slow cooker? Most slow cookers cook on high and this is the correct setting for this dish. Follow the recipe step by placing all the ingredients in the slow cooker.  Check it after 1 hour and then every 30 minutes until is hits an internal temperature of 165°F . It should be very tender and separate very easy.

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 535mg | Potassium: 276mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 385IU | Vitamin C: 4.4mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1.4mg