Djaj bil Zeitoun wal Limoun
Moroccan Chicken with Olives and Preserved Lemon
A quintessential Moroccan tagine featuring tender chicken braised with the unique salty-sour tang of preserved lemons and the briny bite of green olives, all enveloped in a fragrant, saffron-infused sauce. This dish is a cornerstone of Moroccan cuisine, perfect for sharing.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(Use a mix of bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs, drumsticks, and breasts for best flavor and texture.)
- 200 g Green olives(Pitted green olives, preferably Moroccan or Castelvetrano. Rinse them briefly if they seem very salty.)
- 2 Preserved lemons(Rinse the preserved lemons thoroughly, then scoop out the pulp and discard. Finely chop the rind.)
- 2 Yellow onions(Medium-sized, thinly sliced.)
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger(Finely grated or minced.)
- a generous pinch Saffron threads(Steeped in 2 tbsp of warm water for at least 10 minutes.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper(Optional, for a touch of heat.)
- 1.5 cups Chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(Chopped, for garnish.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(Chopped, for garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. In a large Dutch oven or tagine pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 2
Reduce heat to medium (around 175°C / 350°F). Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden, 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.
⏱️ 7-8 minutes - 3
Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and the steeped saffron with its liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot tightly, reduce the heat to low (around 150°C / 300°F), and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is almost tender.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 5
Add the rinsed and chopped preserved lemon rind and the green olives to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Cover and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become fully tender.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 6
Uncover the pot. If the sauce is too thin, increase the heat to medium-high and simmer gently, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to a silky, glossy consistency that coats the chicken beautifully. Be careful not to over-reduce or burn the sauce.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and parsley before serving.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This dish is considered one of the most famous and beloved Moroccan dishes, often served during celebrations.
- ✓The key to a perfect sauce is achieving a silky, slightly thickened consistency that clings to the chicken, rather than being watery.
- ✓Serve hot with crusty bread (like khobz) to soak up the delicious sauce, or with couscous.
- ✓Preserved lemons can be found in specialty food stores or the international aisle of larger supermarkets. If unavailable, you can substitute with the zest and juice of 1 large lemon plus 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but the flavor will be different.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavor, add a handful of extra olives or a mix of different types of olives.
- Some variations include adding a few dried apricots or prunes towards the end of cooking for a touch of sweetness.