Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Morocco with our mouthwatering Moroccan Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives! This dish is a symphony of flavors, where tender chicken thighs are infused with aromatic spices and the unique tang of preserved lemons. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or simply treating yourself to a delightful meal, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds to a world of exotic tastes and aromas. Ready to dive into this flavorful adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
- 1 preserved lemon, rinsed and chopped
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients to ensure you have everything ready for the cooking process.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and ground cinnamon. Rub the spices into the chicken for even coverage.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet, browning them on both sides for about 5-7 minutes. You want a nice golden color.
- Once the chicken is browned, add the chopped preserved lemon and pitted green olives to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes. This will allow the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors of the spices and preserved lemon.
- After the cooking time is complete, check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and the juices should run clear when pierced.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Moroccan chicken with preserved lemons and olives over couscous or rice, spooning some of the flavorful broth over the top. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the spices a few hours in advance or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality preserved lemons and olives for the best flavor. If you can, make your own preserved lemons for an authentic touch!
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili peppers when sautéing the onions.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous or fragrant rice. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the cooking broth over your grains for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider garnishing your dish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. It adds a lovely color and fresh flavor that complements the rich spices.
- Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, so make extra and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 318kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 60mg
