Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Morocco with this tantalizing Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives. Bursting with exotic flavors and aromatic spices, this dish is a celebration of North African cuisine at its finest. Tender chicken thighs are simmered to perfection in a fragrant broth infused with the zesty tang of preserved lemon, the briny richness of green olives, and a symphony of warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and ginger. Each bite is a journey through the bustling markets and bustling flavors of Morocco, sure to delight your senses and satisfy your cravings for something truly extraordinary.
Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
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Heat the olive oil in a large tagine or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Return the chicken thighs to the pan, along with any juices that have accumulated. Add the preserved lemon slices and green olives.
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Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is partially submerged. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Garnish the tagine with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 380kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- If you can't find preserved lemons, you can substitute with fresh lemon zest. However, the flavor won't be quite the same.
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Don't skip the step of browning the chicken thighs before adding them back to the tagine. This helps to seal in the juices and adds rich flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. If you like it spicy, add more; if not, omit it altogether.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious for leftovers.
