Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives

Servings4CuisineMoroccanDifficultyeasyTotal time125 minActive time35 min
BHealth score
520kcal per serve
Protein
P 48g
Carbohydrates
C 12g
Fat
F 28g
  • high protein
  • low carb
  • keto-friendly
Calories
26%
Protein
96%

Share of a 2,000 kcal reference day. Set your own targets

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)
  • Salt (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.

Recipe by

Paul Nagle

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  • 1.5 kg chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • 2 large onions
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 60 ml olive oil
  • 1 preserved lemon
  • 120 g green olives
  • 1 handful fresh coriander
  • 1 handful fresh parsley
  • 10 ml ground ginger
  • 10 ml ground cumin
  • 8 ml paprika
  • 5 ml turmeric
  • 3 ml black pepper
  • 3 ml cinnamon
  • 1 pinch saffron threads
  • salt
  • 400 ml chicken stock or water

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Beverage pairings

Wine

Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon

Dry White

$25–35

Hunter Valley classic with citrus and herbaceous notes that complement preserved lemon and warm spices

Geoff Weaver Riesling

Off-dry White

$20–28

Adelaide Hills wine with slight sweetness and acidity to balance rich tagine spices and olives

Mount Mary Cabernet Blend

Medium-bodied Red

$30–42

Yarra Valley blend with earthy tannins that pair well with warm spices and tender chicken

Beer

Coopers Pale Ale

English-style Pale Ale

Balanced hop bitterness and malt sweetness cut through rich sauce and warm spice profile

Stone & Wood Pacific Ale

Pale Ale

Tropical fruit notes and crisp finish complement preserved lemon and fresh herbs in the dish

Non-alcoholic

Moroccan Mint Tea

Traditional pairing; fresh mint aids digestion and refreshes palate between bites of rich tagine

Sparkling Lemon Water

Bright citrus note echoes preserved lemon in the dish while cleansing palate of warming spices

Iced Hibiscus Tea

Tart, floral notes provide refreshing contrast to the warmth and richness of the tagine

Ingredients

  • 1.5 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)
  • salt (to taste)
  • 400 mlchicken stock or water