Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives

This is one of the most beloved and classic Moroccan dishes. It perfectly balances savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors. The slow-cooked chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the preserved lemons add a unique bright taste.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6 people)

For the chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 8–10 chicken thighs

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp turmeric (or saffron threads soaked in warm water)

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

• ½ cup fresh cilantro and parsley, chopped

• 2–3 preserved lemons (quartered)

• 1 cup green olives (pitted)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• Juice of 1 fresh lemon

Optional garnish:

• Fresh cilantro or parsley

• Toasted almonds or sesame seeds

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with half the onions, garlic, spices (ginger, cumin, turmeric, paprika, pepper), salt, chopped herbs, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (ideally 2–4 hours or overnight in the fridge).

Cook the base: In a large tagine pot (or heavy-bottomed Dutch oven), heat a little olive oil. Add the remaining sliced onions and cook until soft and golden.

Add the chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces on top of the onions. Pour over any remaining marinade. Arrange the quartered preserved lemons and olives around and on top of the chicken.

Slow cook: Cover the tagine and cook on low-medium heat for 45–60 minutes (or in the oven at 180°C / 350°F for about 1 hour). Check occasionally and add a little water if needed. The sauce should thicken and become fragrant.

Finish :Once the chicken is very tender and falling off the bone, uncover for the last 10 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving:

Serve hot directly from the tagine with warm Moroccan bread (khobz) to scoop up the sauce. It pairs beautifully with mint tea.

This dish is a true celebration of Moroccan flavors — aromatic, comforting, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.