Tajine Msir Zeetoon Moroccan Chicken with Lemons

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant kitchens of Morocco with Tajine Msir Zeetoon, Moroccan Chicken with Lemons, a comforting dish that combines tender chicken thighs, tangy preserved lemons, and briny olives in a fragrant, spiced sauce. Simmered gently in a traditional tajine or Dutch oven, this aromatic dish is infused with the flavors of ground ginger, turmeric, sweet paprika, and a hint of cinnamon, creating the perfect balance of savory and citrusy notes. Garnished with fresh parsley and cilantro, this dish is ideal for serving alongside couscous, rice, or warm, crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this quintessential Moroccan recipe is a stunning addition to your dinner table, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Chicken thighs
• 2 Preserved lemons
• 1 cup Green or purple olives
• 1 large Onion
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
• 2 cups Chicken stock or water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Peel and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or tajine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).

Step 3

Add the chicken thighs to the pot. Sprinkle ground ginger, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Stir to evenly coat the chicken with the spices.

Step 4

Cut the preserved lemons into quarters and remove the seeds. Add them to the pot along with the olives.

Step 5

Pour the chicken stock or water into the pot, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged in the liquid.

Step 6

Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 40-50 minutes, periodically spooning the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist.

Step 7

Chop fresh parsley and cilantro while the chicken cooks.

Step 8

Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove the lid and let the sauce reduce slightly for 5-10 minutes if necessary. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Garnish the dish with chopped parsley and cilantro before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread, steamed rice, or fluffy couscous.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1960.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2779.4

Total Fat 174.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 846mg	0%
Sodium 10668.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 51.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.7g	0%
Total Sugars 11.0g
Protein 243.9g	0%

Vitamin D 63IU	0%
Calcium 397.9mg	0%
Iron 15.6mg	0%
Potassium 2954.7mg	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: 57.1%

Protein: 35.4%

Carbs: 7.5%