How to Make the Perfect Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives
Moroccan · Medium · 80 min · 4 servings
This classic Moroccan chicken tagine is slow-cooked with aromatic spices, preserved lemons, and briny olives for a deeply flavored dish. It is a beloved staple of Moroccan home cooking that fills the kitchen with warm, fragrant aromas.
Why this recipe works
This Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 80 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 kg bone-in chicken pieces
- 2 whole preserved lemons, quartered
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 2 tsp ras el hanout spice blend
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Rub the chicken pieces all over with ras el hanout, minced garlic, and olive oil. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat a tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until golden, approximately 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Slow Cook with Aromatics
Return the chicken to the pot and add the preserved lemon quarters and green olives. Pour in half a cup of water, cover tightly, and cook over low heat for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Arrange on a serving platter and spoon the cooking juices over the top. Serve immediately with crusty Moroccan bread or couscous.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- preserved lemons → fresh lemon zest mixed with a pinch of salt
- ras el hanout → a blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking over too high a heat which dries out the chicken instead of keeping it moist and tender
- Skipping the marinating step which results in much less flavorful meat
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 38g protein, 12g carbs, 24g fat, 3g fiber.
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