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Homemade Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Olives photo

Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Olives

This Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Olives is a flavorful, one-pot wonder! Infused with spices, it's a delightful taste of Morocco at home.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Keyword: Chicken, Easy, One-Pot, Spicy
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 3.5 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
  • 0.5 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1.5 teaspoons cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
  • pinch cayenne pepper
  • pinch cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 2 preserved lemons, peel only pulp discarded
  • 1 cup pitted green olives
  • 0.5 cup fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine saffron threads, cumin, paprika, turmeric, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon.
  • In a large Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot, skin side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  • In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the crushed garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the spice blend and cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
  • Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock and add the preserved lemon peels. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Cover and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning.
  • In the last 10 minutes, stir in the pitted green olives.
  • Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Serving platter

Notes

  • Feel free to use boneless chicken, adjusting the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes.
  • Experiment with adding dried fruits like apricots for a sweet contrast.
  • This dish works well with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.