Moroccan Preserved Lemon Chicken Tagine
Fragrant and zesty, this Moroccan chicken tagine simmers with preserved lemon and olives for a flavor explosion that'll transport you straight to Marrakech.
Total: 60 minPrep: 15 minCook: 45 minServes 4Difficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 preserved lemon, rinsed and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Steps
- 1 Pat chicken dry and season with cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne.
- 2 Heat olive oil in a large tagine or skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- 3 In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- 4 Return chicken to the skillet, add preserved lemon, olives, and broth.
- 5 Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- 6 Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 7 Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Equipment
- Large skillet or tagine
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Variations
- Add chickpeas for extra heartiness.
- Substitute chicken with lamb for a traditional twist.
Substitutions
- If preserved lemon isn't available, use lemon zest and juice as a substitute.
Pairings
- Couscous
- Roasted vegetables
- Moroccan flatbread
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
20g fat
Carbs:
10g carbohydrates
Protein:
30g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
2g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- If you can't find preserved lemon, substitute with regular lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice.
- For a richer flavor, serve with couscous or crusty bread.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy couscous and a side of roasted vegetables.
- Pairs well with a crisp white wine or a Moroccan mint tea.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are juicier and more forgiving in a tagine. If using breasts, monitor cooking time to avoid drying out.