Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives

Is a classic Moroccan dish that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with the bright, tangy flavors of preserved lemons and the rich, briny taste of green olives.

Infused with a fragrant blend of spices, this dish offers a warm and comforting experience, transporting you straight to the bustling markets and vibrant kitchens of Morocco.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this tagine is both flavorful and aromatic, making it a true centerpiece for any table.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs (with skin) or a mix of thighs and drumsticks
  • 2 preserved lemons (rinsed, pulp removed, and rind sliced into strips)
  • 1 cup green olives (preferably Moroccan or Castelvetrano, pitted)
  • 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm water)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small bunch of fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 small bunch of fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a large bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, ground ginger, cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, saffron (with its soaking water), and salt.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they’re well coated with the spice mixture.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a deeper flavor.

2. Cooking the Tagine:

   • Step 1: Prepare the Base

     • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a traditional tagine (if you have one), heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
     • Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden, about 10 minutes.

   • Step 2: Sear the Chicken

     • Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge.
     • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the pot, skin side down.
     • Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until the skin is golden brown.

   • Step 3: Simmer

     • Once the chicken is seared, add the chopped cilantro, parsley, bay leaf, and preserved lemon slices to the pot.
     • Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and stir gently to combine.
     • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
     • Cover the pot (or tagine) and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

   • Step 4: Add the Olives

     • About 10 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the olives.
     • Let the dish continue to simmer uncovered for the remaining time, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

3. Final Touches:

   • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it’s too salty (due to the preserved lemons and olives), you can add a bit more water or broth.
   • Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives over a bed of couscous, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• A side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the tagine.

Cooking Tips:

• Preserved Lemons: If you can’t find preserved lemons, you can use regular lemon zest, but the flavor will be less complex. Alternatively, you can make your own preserved lemons at home, but they require a few weeks to be ready.
• Tagine Pot: If you’re using a traditional tagine pot, remember to cook on low heat and use a heat diffuser if you’re cooking on a gas stove to avoid cracking the pot.
• Make Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Enjoy your Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives, it's a dish that brings a taste of Morocco straight to your table!