A flavorful and aromatic dish made with tender chicken, preserved lemons, olives, and a blend of spices. This traditional recipe is cooked in a tagine, creating a rich, fragrant sauce. Perfect for serving with bread or couscous.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Tagine
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 4-6 chicken thighs/drumsticks
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 preserved lemons, cut into quarters (or fresh lemon slices if unavailable)
- 1 cup green or purple olives
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and cilantro, chopped
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix chicken pieces with spices (turmeric, ginger, paprika, cinnamon, pepper, and salt).
- Add garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
2. Sauté the Onions
- In a tagine or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Arrange the Tagine
- Place the marinated chicken on top of the onions.
- Arrange preserved lemons and olives around the chicken.
- Pour chicken stock or water over the ingredients.
4. Cook the Tagine
- Cover the tagine (or pot) and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 45-60 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist.
- If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash of water.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley and cilantro on top before serving.
- Serve hot with Moroccan bread (khobz) or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Tagine
- Use a Tagine Pot: For authentic flavor, but a Dutch oven works as a substitute.
- Add Depth: For extra richness, include saffron threads or a cinnamon stick during cooking.
- Pair It Well: Serve with a Moroccan salad or sweet mint tea.
This Moroccan chicken tagine is a comforting dish bursting with vibrant flavors, perfect for any occasion!
