Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives
Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives pinit

If you’re looking to bring the taste of Morocco into your kitchen, Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives is a must-try! This flavorful North African dish is a staple in Moroccan households, known for its fragrant spices, tender chicken, and the unique tang of preserved lemons.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with warm spices and vibrant flavors

Easy to prepare in a single pot

Perfect for family dinners or special occasions

Authentic taste straight from Moroccan kitchens

Ingredients for Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives

1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg), cut into pieces

3 medium onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 preserved lemons, quartered

1 cup green or purple olives

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground turmeric

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp saffron threads (optional)

salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and/or cilantro

1/2 cup water

Instructions for Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger, turmeric, black pepper, saffron (if using), salt, and half of the chopped parsley/cilantro. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
  2. Sauté the Base
    In a tagine or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat Add the chopped onions and garlic, and cook until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add the Chicken
    Place the marinated chicken pieces into the pot. Sear on all sides until lightly golden.
  4. Add Liquids and Simmer
    Pour in the water. Arrange the preserved lemons and olives over the chicken. Cover and simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Garnish and Serve
    Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and/or cilantro before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or fluffy couscous.

Tips for the Best Chicken Tagine

Use preserved lemons for authentic flavor. If you don’t have any, you can find them in Middle Eastern or international grocery stores.

A traditional tagine pot enhances the cooking process, but a Dutch oven works just as well.

Let the dish simmer slowly to develop deeper flavors.


Final Thoughts

This Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives is more than just a meal – it’s a culinary journey. Whether you’re new to Moroccan cuisine or a seasoned home cook, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and taste the magic of Morocco!

Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 50 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 20
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

A classic Moroccan dish, Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives combines tender chicken, warm spices, tangy preserved lemons, and briny olives for a flavorful and aromatic one-pot meal.

Ingredients:

Cooking Mode Disabled

Instructions:

step 1

  1. Marinate the Chicken

    In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger, turmeric, black pepper, saffron (if using), salt, and half of the chopped parsley/cilantro. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 2

  1. Sauté the Base

    In a tagine or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat Add the chopped onions and garlic, and cook until soft and fragrant.

Step 3

  1. Add the Chicken

    Place the marinated chicken pieces into the pot. Sear on all sides until lightly golden.

Step 4

  1. Add Liquids and Simmer

    1. Pour in the water. Arrange the preserved lemons and olives over the chicken. Cover and simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 5

  1. Garnish and Serve

    Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and/or cilantro before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or fluffy couscous.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 540.42kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 37.56g58%
Saturated Fat 9.55g48%
Trans Fat 0.21g
Cholesterol 150mg50%
Sodium 800.19mg34%
Potassium 575.03mg17%
Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
Dietary Fiber 2.83g12%
Sugars 3.45g
Protein 38.77g78%

Vitamin A 96.81 IU
Vitamin C 26.7 mg
Calcium 75.05 mg
Iron 4.62 mg
Vitamin D 0.4 IU
Vitamin E 1.93 IU
Vitamin K 49.06 mcg
Thiamin 0.16 mg
Riboflavin 0.27 mg
Niacin 13.78 mg
Vitamin B6 0.82 mg
Folate 31.46 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.62 mcg
Phosphorus 326.63 mg
Magnesium 56.22 mg
Zinc 2.91 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chicken tagine, Moroccan chicken tagine, preserved lemon recipe, chicken tagine with olives, traditional Moroccan recipes, North African cuisine
Rate this recipe
Share it From Here.

Tag #marrakechflavorsand if you made this recipe. Follow marrakechflavors on Instagram for more recipes.

Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.

pinit
File under

Frequently Asked Questions:

Expand All:

What can I substitute for preserved lemons?

If you don’t have preserved lemons, you can use fresh lemon zest and a little lemon juice, but the flavor will be less complex

Can I cook this in a regular pot instead of a tagine?

Absolutely. A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot works well if you don’t have a traditional tagine

Is saffron necessary?

No, it’s optional. While saffron adds depth and color, you can leave it out or substitute with a pinch of paprika or more turmeric

jasmine

Welcome to our site, your new culinary destination! Here, we invite you to discover delicious and accessible recipes, along with tips for preparing dishes that will delight your loved ones. Whether you’re a beginner or a budding chef, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Dive into the world of flavors with us and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!

Rate this recipe

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe

Add a question

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Min
Share it on your social network