Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives

Servings4
CuisineMoroccan

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ kgchicken thighs and drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 largeonions (finely chopped, about 300g)
  • 4garlic cloves (minced)
  • 60 mlolive oil
  • 1preserved lemon (quartered, pulp removed)
  • 120 ggreen olives (pitted)
  • 1 handfulfresh coriander
  • 1 handfulfresh parsley
  • 10 mlground ginger
  • 10 mlground cumin
  • 8 mlpaprika
  • 5 mlturmeric
  • 3 mlblack pepper
  • 3 mlcinnamon
  • 1 pinchsaffron threads (generous)
  • 0salt (to taste)
  • 400 mlchicken stock or water

Instructions

  1. Rub the chicken pieces with half the spice blend, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).

  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same pot, add the onions and cook until soft and golden, about 10 minutes. Add remaining spices and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Return chicken to the pot. Add stock, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 35-40 minutes, turning chicken occasionally.

  5. Add preserved lemon quarters and olives. Cook uncovered for final 10 minutes to reduce sauce slightly. Stir in fresh herbs.

  6. Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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Essential

Helpful

Beverage pairings

Wine

Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc

Crisp white

$18–28

Bright acidity cuts through rich sauce; citrus complements preserved lemon

Barossa Valley Grenache

Light to medium-bodied red

$20–35

Spice-friendly with subtle sweetness; pairs well with warm Moroccan spices

Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris

Dry white

$16–26

Mineral notes and gentle fruit balance chicken and olives without overwhelming

Beer

Little Creatures Pale Ale

Pale ale

Hoppy bitterness refreshes palate between spiced chicken bites; citrus hop notes echo preserved lemon

Stone & Wood Pacific Ale

Pale ale

Tropical fruit notes complement warm spices; crisp finish balances rich sauce

Non-alcoholic

Moroccan Mint Tea

Traditional pairing; refreshing mint cleanses palate and aids digestion of rich spices

Fresh Lemonade or Citrus Cordial

Bright acidity mirrors preserved lemon in dish; cooling effect balances warm spices

Sparkling Water with Orange or Lemon

Light and refreshing; prevents palate fatigue from heavy sauce and spices

Ingredients

  • 1.5kgchicken thighs and drumsticks(bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2largeonions(finely chopped, about 300g)
  • 4garlic cloves(minced)
  • 60mlolive oil
  • 1preserved lemon(quartered, pulp removed)
  • 120ggreen olives(pitted)
  • 1handfulfresh coriander
  • 1handfulfresh parsley
  • 10mlground ginger
  • 10mlground cumin
  • 8mlpaprika
  • 5mlturmeric
  • 3mlblack pepper
  • 3mlcinnamon
  • 1pinchsaffron threads(generous)
  • salt(to taste)
  • 400mlchicken stock or water