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Moroccan Chicken with Spiced Lemon and Olive Tagine Recipe

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4.4 from 26 reviews

This Moroccan Chicken recipe features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs marinated with a fragrant blend of garlic, lemon, and warm spices, then simmered slowly in a saffron-infused chicken stock with onions, olives, and fresh herbs. This dish beautifully combines bold North African flavors perfect for a comforting and exotic meal.

Ingredients

For The Marinade

  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced or chopped
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced, then chopped into chunks
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 chicken thighs, bone-in with skin

For The Dish

  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • ¼ teaspoon saffron strands or powdered saffron
  • 6 tablespoons flour (divided: 2 tablespoons and 4 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley and cilantro, a good handful of each tied with cooking twine
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 6 oz pitted olives
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the garlic, lemon zest and juice, chopped lemon chunks, ground cumin, ground ginger, sweet paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and sear the thighs skin-side down until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Sauté Onions and Spices: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add ground turmeric, cumin, ginger, sweet paprika, and garlic powder, stirring to coat the onions evenly and bloom the spices for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Create the Sauce Base: Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour to the onion and spice mixture to form a roux; cook for 1 minute while stirring. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock along with the reserved marinade, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the saffron strands to infuse delicate flavor and color.
  6. Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Add the tied bundle of fresh parsley and cilantro. Cover and simmer gently on low heat for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  7. Finish the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the herb bundle. To thicken the sauce further if desired, whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons of flour mixed with a bit of water to form a slurry, and cook for a few more minutes until sauce thickens.
  8. Add Olives and Lemon: Stir in the pitted olives and add lemon slices to the pan. Heat through for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Moroccan chicken hot, spooning the savory sauce, olives, and lemon slices over the top. This pairs well with couscous, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight if possible for deeper flavor.
  • Use bone-in skin-on thighs for juicier and more flavorful results.
  • Saffron is optional but adds authentic flavor and color; substitute with turmeric if unavailable.
  • The tied herbs can be removed easily after cooking to avoid overpowering the dish.
  • Adjust olives and lemon slices quantity based on preference for tartness and saltiness.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/moroccan-chicken-with-spiced-lemon-and-olive-tagine-recipe/