The Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives is a classic Moroccan dish bursting with tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors. A slow-cooked, one-pot meal known as Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

This classic Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives dish brings together tender chicken, tangy preserved lemons, and briny green olives. It’s a true taste of Moroccan cuisine.

Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives is a dish that showcases Moroccan culinary heritage and is sure to delight anyone who tries it.

In the following, I’ll guide you through making this delicious tagine, and you will learn how to balance spices and mix ingredients perfectly. Get ready to wow your family and friends with a dish that brings Moroccan tradition to your table.

Ingredients

Making a real chicken tagine means picking the best ingredients. The dish starts with tender, juicy chicken. This chicken is the base of the tagine.

The tangy preserved lemons add a unique citrusy taste. They’re a key part of the dish.

The recipe also includes aromatic Moroccan spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. These spices give the dish a warm, earthy smell. They also add a subtle heat that balances the tartness of the lemons.

Briny olives are added too. They bring a savory brininess that enhances the other flavors.

Main Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs)
• 2 preserved lemons, quartered
• 1 cup green olives, pitted
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 small bunch fresh cilantro and parsley, chopped

Optional Enhancements

• ½ tsp saffron threads, soaked in warm water
• 1 tbsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tagine or Pot

• Heat olive oil in a traditional tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot/Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).

Step 3: Add the Spices

• Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon stick, and saffron water (if using).
• Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

• Place chicken pieces into the pot, skin side down.
• Brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes, enhancing the depth of flavor.

Step 5: Add Preserved Lemons and Olives

• Add preserved lemons and green olives to the pot.
• Pour in chicken broth or water until the chicken is partially submerged.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

• Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and parsley.
• Serve hot with couscous, rice, or Moroccan bread (khobz).

Tips for Success

Perfecting the Flavor

Use preserved lemons for authentic Moroccan taste. But If they are not available, you can substitute with lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Moreover, adding saffron enhances the depth of flavor but is optional.

Alternative Cooking Methods

• Instant Pot: Use the Sauté function to brown the ingredients, then switch to pressure cook for 20 minutes.
• Slow Cooker: Cook on low temperature for 6 to 8 hours or high temperature for 3 to 4 hours.

Adjusting to Your Taste

If you want your tagine to be spicier, add harissa paste or cayenne pepper. But if you prefer it sweeter you can stir in a teaspoon of honey near the end of cooking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg

(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Serving Suggestions

The Chicken Tagine with preserved lemons is considered as a main dish that is served with moroccan bread. In addition, you can serve it along side with other food and side dishes like a light salad of your choice.

You can also prepare a the Moroccan mint tea for an authentic experience. The tea can be served with the main dish or after.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

For better preservation of the tagine, you can keep the remaining food in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; however, don’t add olives to preserve a better texture.

Reheating Instructions

In order to reheat your chicken tagine, gently warm it on the stovetop over a medium temperature. You can add a splash of water to restore its rich sauce and prevent drying out. If you don’t have enough time, you can use the microwave. Heat the food (in a microwave-compatible container) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is warmed enough.