Djaj Mqualli
Moroccan Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives
A quintessential Moroccan tagine, Djaj Mqualli features tender chicken braised in a fragrant sauce with the unique, salty-sour tang of preserved lemons and the briny bite of green olives. This signature dish is known for its rich, complex flavors and silky sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Whole chicken
- 2 Preserved lemons
- 200 g Green olives
- 1 medium Yellow onion
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground coriander
- a generous pinch Saffron threads
- 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1.5 cups Water or chicken broth
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven (suitable for stovetop and oven if finishing there), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Build the flavor base: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 3
Add spices and liquids: Stir in the turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the steeped saffron (including the water) and the 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Simmer and tenderize: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the chicken simmer gently for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through and very tender. Stir in half of the chopped cilantro and parsley during the last 10 minutes of this simmering time.
⏱️ 50 minutes - 5
Add preserved lemon and olives: Stir in the chopped preserved lemon rind and the green olives. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. The sauce should become rich and slightly reduced.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Finish and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed (preserved lemons are salty, so taste first). Stir in the remaining fresh cilantro and parsley just before serving. Serve hot, spooning the rich sauce over the chicken. This dish is traditionally served with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Preserved lemons are crucial for the authentic flavor. Look for them in Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores, or make your own.
- ✓The sauce should be silky and well-reduced, coating the chicken beautifully. If it's too thin, continue simmering uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of Ras el Hanout spice blend along with the other spices.
- ✓This dish is even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add more olives or a mix of green and Kalamata olives for a different flavor profile.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper with the garlic and ginger.
- Some recipes include a small amount of honey or a touch of sugar to balance the tartness of the preserved lemon.