Are you staring at your delicious chicken tagine wondering what to pair it with? I’ve been there! After making the perfect aromatic Moroccan chicken stew, the last thing you want is to serve it with the wrong sides.
When I first started cooking tagines, I was totally stumped about what should go alongside them. Through lots of trial and error (and some memorable dinner party fails!), I’ve discovered the perfect companions for this North African dish.
In this article, I’ll share my 15 favorite side dishes that perfectly complement chicken tagine, from traditional Moroccan accompaniments to creative alternatives that might surprise you
What is Chicken Tagine?
Before diving into the side dishes, let’s quickly talk about what makes chicken tagine special This iconic Moroccan dish is a slow-cooked stew named after the unique conical clay pot it’s traditionally prepared in. The tagine pot’s design allows flavors to circulate while cooking, resulting in tender meat infused with aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and saffron
The result? A comforting one-pot meal with complex flavors that deserves thoughtful accompaniments!
Traditional Ways to Serve Chicken Tagine
In Morocco, tagines are typically the centerpiece of the dining table. Here’s how they’re traditionally served:
- Placed at the center of a circular table
- Surrounded by small bowls of Moroccan salads
- Always accompanied by warm khobz (Moroccan bread)
- Eaten communally, with bread used to scoop up the tagine ingredients
Now, let’s explore the perfect sides to complement your chicken tagine!
Starchy Sides for Chicken Tagine
1. Couscous
Couscous is the quintessential pairing for chicken tagine. These tiny pasta grains are perfect for soaking up the flavorful tagine sauce. I like to elevate plain couscous with:
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Chopped parsley
- A touch of harissa paste for heat
The zesty herby couscous provides the perfect balance to the rich chicken tagine.
2. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice, with its fragrant aroma and sticky texture, makes an excellent base for chicken tagine. The rice absorbs the savory spices from the tagine beautifully.
Try adding sliced almonds or golden raisins to your jasmine rice for added texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the tagine perfectly.
3. Mashed Potatoes
This might sound surprising, but creamy mashed potatoes offer a wonderful buttery contrast to the complex flavors in chicken tagine. The smooth texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich and savory spices in the dish.
For a unique twist, consider adding roasted garlic or fresh herbs to your mashed potatoes.
4. Moroccan Bread (Khobz)
Warm Moroccan flatbread is essential for an authentic tagine experience. The bread serves as both an eating utensil and a means to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
I like covering my khobz with a bit of harissa and olive oil for an extra kick. If you can’t find or make khobz, pita bread makes a good substitute.
Vegetable Sides for Chicken Tagine
5. Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini, seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs, provides a nutritious and flavorful companion to chicken tagine. The grilling enhances zucchini’s natural sweetness and adds a wonderful smoky charred flavor that complements the tagine beautifully.
This low-calorie vegetable adds a tender-crisp texture contrast to the hearty chicken stew.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes harmonizes beautifully with the savory spices in chicken tagine. Roasting enhances their caramelized flavor and creates a tender texture that contrasts nicely with the tagine.
Plus, they’re packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your meal.
7. Roasted Eggplant
Roasted eggplant, with its caramelized exterior and tender interior, is a perfect companion to chicken tagine. When roasted, eggplant develops a natural sweetness and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken and sauce.
Season your eggplant with Moroccan spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander to tie the flavors together.
8. Steamed Carrots
Steamed carrots, with their natural sweetness and vibrant color, provide a nutritious and visually appealing side dish that complements the robust flavors of chicken tagine.
These Moroccan-style carrots retain their nutrients through steaming and offer a soft, tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the hearty tagine.
Fresh and Tangy Sides for Chicken Tagine
9. Tzatziki
Tzatziki, a cool and creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce, provides an invigorating contrast that balances the rich spices of chicken tagine. This refreshing condiment, made with cucumber and mint, adds a fresh twist to your meal.
Its versatility allows it to be used as a dip or spread, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
10. Green Salad
A simple green salad with crisp, fresh ingredients serves as a perfect counterbalance to the hearty and aromatic chicken tagine. I like to use mixed greens like lettuce, arugula, or spinach, paired with fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette.
Including cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, and nuts not only enhances the salad’s flavor but also boosts its nutritional value and visual appeal.
11. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh, with its finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, is an invigorating and lively accompaniment to chicken tagine. This traditional Middle Eastern salad’s light and herbaceous flavors balance the rich spices of the tagine.
Dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, tabbouleh adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the tagine.
Creative Sides for Chicken Tagine
12. Cauliflower Rice
For a nutritious and low-carb alternative to traditional grains, cauliflower rice pairs wonderfully with chicken tagine. Made by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor, this gluten-free side dish is rich in vitamins C and K, and fiber.
Cauliflower rice can absorb the rich flavors of the tagine, especially when seasoned with complementary spices like cumin, turmeric, or cinnamon.
13. Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush introduces a smoky and creamy element that enriches the overall dining experience with chicken tagine. This traditional Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of chicken tagine.
For added zest, consider serving it with a touch of preserved lemons.
14. Shakshuka
Shakshuka, a traditional North African dish featuring poached eggs in a robust and aromatic tomato-based sauce, perfectly complements the rich flavors of chicken tagine. The hearty sauce combined with runny eggs adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with Moroccan cuisine.
Typically served with crusty bread, Shakshuka provides a satisfying addition to your meal.
15. Brown Rice
Brown rice, with its nutty flavor and hearty texture, serves as an excellent complement to the rich spices of chicken tagine. This whole grain is a good source of fiber, making it a wholesome addition to your meal.
Adding sliced almonds or golden raisins can introduce a delightful touch of sweetness and crunch, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Creating a Complete Chicken Tagine Meal
When serving chicken tagine, I recommend offering 2-3 sides to give your guests options. Try to include a variety of flavors, textures, and colors to create a balanced meal.
Here are some winning combinations I’ve tried:
- Traditional Moroccan: Chicken tagine + couscous + green salad + khobz bread
- Low-carb Option: Chicken tagine + cauliflower rice + grilled zucchini + tzatziki
- Creative Fusion: Chicken tagine + jasmine rice + roasted sweet potatoes + baba ganoush
Complete your Moroccan feast with a pot of aromatic mint tea and perhaps some baklava or fresh fruit for dessert.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of chicken tagine is its versatility. While there are traditional pairings, don’t be afraid to experiment with different side dishes based on your preferences and dietary needs.
Remember, the best side dish for your chicken tagine is ultimately the one that makes your taste buds happy! Whether you’re sticking to authentic Moroccan sides or trying something more creative, the complex flavors of chicken tagine welcome a wide range of accompaniments.
What’s your favorite side dish to serve with chicken tagine? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Traditional Ways to Serve
I grew up eating tagines for dinner on a weekly basis. Whether it was at my grandma’s dinner table in Rabat, or at my dad’s in Washington, we were always gathered around a circular table.
Traditionally, tagines are served as the center of the table. It is very common to have an assortment of Moroccan side salads served in smaller bowls and plates around the tagine. Usually these are spread out so that each individual will have one of each salad.
Another key element of serving a tagine is the bread (aka khobz), usually heated up and served in a small basket that’s passed around the table.
Moroccans love their bread, and for good reason as it does a lovely job of soaking up all of the sauce at the base of the tagine. It’s also used as a vehicle to scoop up the meat, veggies, and any other contents of the dish.
Here are a few of my favorite Moroccan side salads to serve around your tagine:
What is a Tagine?
While the base of a tagine takes a slightly more shallow but similar shape to that of an average pot or dutch oven, it’s lid is what makes it truly unique, taking the form of a cone.
This cone shaped lid allows flavors to steam and circulate in a larger space while cooking. The end result being meat and vegetables that are both perfectly tender and richly infused in whatever herbs and spices are used.
Traditional Moroccan tagines are typically made from earthenware clay (a kind of clay that resembles terracotta). The pots are usually handmade by Moroccan artisans and spun on a pottery wheel.
In Morocco you will find both glazed and unglazed tagines, which both have their own benefits when used to cook.
How to Make a Tagine with Chef Mourad Lahlou | Williams-Sonoma
FAQ
What to serve with chicken tagine?
Serve chicken tagine with traditional couscous or other grains like rice or quinoa to soak up the rich sauce. A simple fresh salad, such as a shredded cabbage and carrot salad or fattoush, adds a refreshing counterpoint to the dish’s complex flavors. You can also serve it with warm, crusty bread for dipping.
What is tagine traditionally served with?
Serve over couscous. I just use plain couscous for this tagine because it’s got so much flavour in it, rather than one with fruit and nuts in it.Aug 21, 2023
What is a good side for moroccan chicken?
- stuffed peppers.
- roasted eggplant or baba ganoush.
- roasted spiced chickpeas.
- roasted cauliflower or broccoli tossed with pine nuts & raisins.
- flatbread, like a naan or pita.
- lima beans.
- roasted tomatoes, whole (cherries/grapes)
What kind of bread goes with chicken tagine?
In a traditional Moroccan meal such as the tagine the khobz replaces utensils. Cook up a nice dish of Moroccan chicken tagine or saffron chicken and you will have an authentic experience soaking up those flavors with this bread! Fantastic!