Real Moroccan Chicken

Elevate your dinner table with the warm, aromatic flavors of Real Moroccan Chicken, an authentic and comforting dish bursting with exotic spices and vibrant ingredients. Tender bone-in chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, spiced broth infused with saffron, cinnamon, and preserved lemons, delivering a harmonious balance of savory, citrusy, and earthy notes. Green olives add a briny kick, while fresh cilantro and parsley lend a bright, herbaceous finish. Perfectly paired with fluffy couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, this one-pot wonder is a true taste of Morocco that's as irresistible as it is easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike, this recipe is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 piece cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 whole preserved lemon, quartered and seeds removed
• 1 cup green olives, pitted
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 2

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, ginger, paprika, and the cinnamon stick. Sauté the spices for 30 seconds to release their aroma.

Step 5

Add the saffron threads and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it and incorporate any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Return the chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side up, along with any juices that collected. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 7

After 30 minutes, add the preserved lemon quarters and green olives. Continue simmering, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley just before serving.

Step 9

Serve hot with warm couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy your Real Moroccan Chicken!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2185.9 grams (2185.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3534

Total Fat 262.10g	336%
Saturated Fat 69.00g	345%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 1215mg	405%
Sodium 5538mg	241%
Total Carbohydrate 27.50g	10%
Dietary Fiber 7.40g	26%
Total Sugars 6.40g
Protein 253.10g	506%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 357mg	27%
Iron 19mg	105%
Potassium 4158mg	88%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.8%

Protein: 29.1%

Carbs: 3.2%