Israeli Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives
A fragrant and tender chicken dish inspired by North African and Middle Eastern flavors, featuring the unique tang of preserved lemons, the brininess of olives, and aromatic spices. This dish is often served for special occasions and holidays, embodying the rich culinary heritage of Israeli cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on Chicken thighs(about 2.5-3 lbs total)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil(divided)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(diced)
- 5 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 cups Chicken broth(plus more if needed)
- 1 whole Preserved lemon(rinsed, pulp removed, rind thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Green olives(pitted, Mediterranean-style)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt, and sauté for about 10 minutes until softened but not browned.
- 2
Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric, ginger, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chicken thighs to the pot, searing them until lightly browned on all sides. Push the onion-spice mixture around the edges of the pot and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed to brown the chicken.
- 4
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the onions have softened.
- 5
Add the sliced preserved lemon rind and the green olives to the pot. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Cover and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Preserved lemons can be intense; start with less and add more to taste.
- ✓If you can't find preserved lemons, you can substitute with the zest and juice of one fresh lemon, though the flavor will be different.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender before serving.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of saffron for a more complex flavor.
- Include other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.