Moroccan Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant sauce of preserved lemons, olives, and warm spices—a cozy bowlful of Moroccan comfort.
Total: 60 minPrep: 15 minCook: 45 min4 servingsDifficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 preserved lemon, rinsed and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Steps
- 1 Pat chicken thighs dry and season with cumin, coriander, cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 2 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden, about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes.
- 3 Remove chicken and set aside. Add onions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4 Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in preserved lemon slices and olives.
- 5 Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Return chicken to skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- 6 Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Equipment
- Large skillet with lid
Variations
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Add chickpeas for extra heartiness.
Substitutions
- If preserved lemons are unavailable, use zest of 1 lemon and a splash of lemon juice.
Pairings
- A glass of dry white wine or Moroccan mint tea.
Nutrition
Calories:
420 kcal
Fat:
28g fat
Carbs:
12g carbohydrates
Protein:
30g protein
Fiber:
4g fiber
Sugar:
3g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- Use store-bought preserved lemons to save time.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with couscous or crusty bread.
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables.
FAQ
Can I use regular lemons instead of preserved lemons?
While not ideal, you can use the zest and juice of fresh lemons as a substitute, though the flavor will be different.