Moroccan chicken tagine

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Morocco with our new Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe, perfectly paired with the GEN7 2020 Road To Morocco Reserve. This dish combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich, savory sauce that echoes the flavors of North Africa. The bold, complex notes of our Road To Morocco Reserve complement the dish beautifully, enhancing every bite with layers of depth and warmth. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving an exotic culinary adventure, this pairing promises to turn any meal into a memorable experience.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon ground coriander

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 lemon

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 pounds), trimmed of excess skin and fat (see note)

• Salt and ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large yellow onion, halved and cut into ¼-in-thick slices

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1¾ cups chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 large or 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut crosswise into ½-inch-thick coins

• ½ cup Greek cracked green olives, pitted and halved (see note)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

1. Combine the spices in a small bowl and set aside. Zest the lemon. Combine 1 teaspoon of the lemon zest with 1 minced garlic clove. Set aside.

2. Season both sides of chicken pieces with 2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or pan over medium-high heat until beginning to smoke.

3. Brown the chicken pieces skin side down in single layer until deep golden, about 5 minutes; using tongs, flip the chicken pieces over and brown the other side, about 4 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a large plate; when cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and discard. Pour off and discard all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan.

4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have browned at the edges but still retain their shape, 5 to 7 minutes (add a few tablespoons of water now and then if the pan gets too dark).

5. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

6. Add the spices and flour and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

7. Stir in the broth, honey, remaining lemon zest, and ¼ teaspoon salt, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits.

8. Add the chicken (with any accumulated juices) back in, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

9. Add the carrots, cover, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender-crisp, about 10 minutes more.

10. Stir in the olives, reserved lemon zest-garlic mixture, cilantro, and 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice; taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Serve with couscous.

As you savor the rich flavors of Moroccan Chicken Tagine paired with the GEN 7 2020 Road To Morocco Reserve, you'll discover a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that elevates your dining experience. The intricate spices of the tagine marry perfectly with the bold character of the wine, creating a symphony of taste that lingers long after the last bite. Whether you're sharing this meal with loved ones or enjoying it as a special treat, this pairing captures the essence of culinary artistry and fine winemaking. Cheers to unforgettable flavors and the joy of bringing the world to your table!