Moroccan Chicken with Preserved Lemons

Savor the exotic flavors of North Africa with this Moroccan Chicken with Preserved Lemons recipe, a vibrant dish bursting with aromatic spices and zesty citrus. Tender, golden-browned chicken thighs are simmered in a spiced broth made with cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and ginger, then enriched with the tangy brightness of preserved lemons and briny green olives. Fresh cilantro and parsley bring a herbal freshness to the stew-like dish, while the rich sauce is perfect for serving over fluffy couscous or alongside warm, crusty bread. Ready in just over an hour, this one-pot recipe is an easy yet sophisticated way to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress at a dinner party. Perfect for lovers of bold flavors and authentic Moroccan cuisine, this dish is as comforting as it is irresistible.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoons Ground ginger
• 1 teaspoons Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoons Paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1.5 cups Chicken stock
• 2 pieces Preserved lemons, quartered
• 0.5 cups Green olives, pitted
• 0.25 cups Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.25 cups Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down in the hot oil until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and paprika to the onions, and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken stock and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze it, ensuring all the flavorful bits are mixed into the sauce.

Step 6

Return the chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 7

Add the preserved lemons and green olives to the pot, then simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley just before serving.

Step 9

Serve the Moroccan Chicken hot, paired with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1892.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2542.9

Total Fat 184.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 761.0mg	0%
Sodium 7731.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 43.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.9g
Protein 188.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 440.8mg	0%
Iron 19.9mg	0%
Potassium 2898.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.1%

Protein: 29.2%

Carbs: 6.7%