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Homemade Moroccan Chicken (Djej Makalli) photo

Moroccan Chicken (Djej Makalli)

This Moroccan Chicken is bursting with vibrant flavors! A delicious blend of spices, preserved lemons, and olives will transport you to Morocco with every bite.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Keyword: Chicken, Easy, Flavorful
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise (or 4 whole breasts for larger servings)

For the Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed and finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh minced ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Cooking:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 whole preserved lemon pulp discarded, peels thoroughly rinsed and finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted or whole, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation Steps:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, minced ginger, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
  • Take the chicken fillets and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and add the chicken fillets to the skillet. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the chopped preserved lemon and Kalamata olives. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let the chicken cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley and cilantro over the top, and drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Serve your Moroccan Chicken (Djej Makalli) with a side of fluffy couscous or warm crusty bread, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken for extra flavor!

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Skillet or Dutch oven
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, serve with quinoa or rice instead of couscous.
  • Meal prep by storing leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.