Moroccan chicken with olives and preserved lemon

Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Morocco with Chicken with Olives and Preserved Lemon. This delightful dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory blend of ginger, cinnamon, and garlic, enhanced by the tangy zest of preserved lemon and the briny taste of olives. A finishing garnish of fresh parsley and coriander leaves adds a fresh, vibrant touch. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

  • 19 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 360 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 10 Ingredients

Moroccan chicken with olives and preserved lemon

Moroccan Chicken with Olives and Preserved Lemon is a delightful and aromatic dish that brings the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine to your table. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with fragrant spices, savory olives, and the unique tanginess of preserved lemons, creating a flavorful and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
14g
12 chicken thighs
1200g
2 red onions
320g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 tsp ginger
5g
2 tsp cinnamon
6g
3 cups chicken gravy
600g
1/2 cup olives
120g
1/2 cup coriander leaves
8g
1 bunch fresh parsley
54g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop the red onions.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- If using preserved lemon, slice it thinly and remove seeds.
- Pit the olives if not already pitted.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped red onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Brown the Chicken:
- Add the chicken thighs to the pot and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Ensure each batch has a nice golden color before proceeding.
4. Add Spices:
- Sprinkle the ground ginger and ground cinnamon over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken thighs evenly with the spices.
5. Add Chicken Gravy and Cook:
- Pour in the chicken gravy, ensuring it covers the chicken thighs. Adjust the heat to a low simmer.
- Cover the pot and allow the chicken to cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Olives and Preserved Lemon:
- Once the chicken is tender, add the pitted olives and sliced preserved lemon (if using) to the pot.
- Stir to combine and allow the flavors to meld together by cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Finish with Herbs:
- Just before serving, add the chopped coriander leaves and most of the chopped parsley (reserve a little for garnish). Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve:
- Remove from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with the remaining chopped parsley. This dish goes wonderfully with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Tips:

- Marinate the chicken thighs in the spices for a few hours or overnight for an even deeper flavor.

- If you can't find preserved lemons, you can use fresh lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice as a substitute.

- Make sure to sauté the onions until they are translucent to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

- For a more authentic taste, use a tagine for cooking. However, if you don't have one, a large pot or Dutch oven will work just as well.

- To balance the dish, taste it towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasonings, such as adding a bit more salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if needed.

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of Moroccan Chicken with Olives and Preserved Lemon. This dish, with its tender chicken, fragrant spices, and unique tanginess, is sure to become a favorite in your home. Serve it with couscous or rice to complete the meal, and don't forget to garnish with fresh coriander and parsley for an extra burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size290 grams
Energy
Calories 410kcal20%
Protein
Protein 27g17%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 11g3%
Fiber 1.94g5%
Sugar 2.64g3%
Fat
Fat 30g36%
Saturated 8g26%
Cholesterol 150mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 70ug8%
Choline 80mg14%
Vitamin B1 0.15mg13%
Vitamin B2 0.28mg21%
Vitamin B3 7mg46%
Vitamin B6 0.61mg36%
Vitamin B9 24ug6%
Vitamin B12 0.93ug39%
Vitamin C 13mg14%
Vitamin E 0.73mg5%
Vitamin K 120ug100%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 60mg4%
Copper, Cu 0.17mg19%
Iron, Fe 2.73mg25%
Magnesium, Mg 40mg9%
Phosphorus, P 270mg22%
Potassium, K 470mg14%
Selenium, Se 30ug54%
Sodium, Na 520mg35%
Zinc, Zn 2.22mg20%
Water
Water 220g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Moroccan chicken thighs with onions

Serve over couscous or rice for a satisfying meal.

23 Jan 2025

Grilled carne asada with citrus marinade

Perfect for a summer BBQ or a delicious weeknight meal.

07 Mar 2025

Vegan stuffed sweet potatoes

Ready in under an hour.

13 Feb 2025

Spiced moroccan meatball soup

Ready in just over an hour, it's a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to Morocco.

10 Feb 2025

Easy chicken and onion pilaf

Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comfort food favorite that the whole family will love.

26 Mar 2025

Quick kofta and lemon tagine

Cooked in a savory chicken gravy and brightened with zesty lemon juice, this dish offers a quick yet authentic Moroccan culinary experience perfect for any weeknight dinner.

11 Feb 2025

Basil pesto pasta with roasted vegetables

Quick, healthy, and absolutely delightful.

08 Mar 2025

Roasted shrimps with asparagus

Ready in under 30 minutes, savor the bold flavors brought together by garlic, paprika, and fresh parsley, all cooked to perfection in a single pan.

26 Apr 2025

Posts