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Moroccan Chicken

Savory Moroccan Chicken: A One-Pot Flavor Adventure

Experience the delightful taste of Moroccan Chicken with olives and preserved lemons, a comforting one-pot dish that's perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Kosher salt preferred
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion (chopped) Shallots can be used as substitute
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced) Can use garlic powder in a pinch
For the Sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika Smoked paprika for deeper flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Caraway seeds as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Fresh ginger can be substituted
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Nutmeg or allspice can be used
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Omit if unavailable
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust based on heat preference
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Fresh or canned tomatoes can be used
  • 1 14-ounce can Diced Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can replace if in season
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Stick Optional
For the Flavor Boost
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth as alternative
  • 1 chopped Preserved Lemon Fresh lemon zest as substitute
  • 1 cup Green Olives Substitute with your favorite variety
For the Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped) Parsley can be used instead
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) More cilantro or omit if desired

Equipment

  • large heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Moroccan Chicken
  1. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix these aromatic spices well and rub them generously all over the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken thighs, cooking them for about 5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
  3. In the same pot, add one chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it softens. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking for another minute until aromatic.
  4. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot. Add one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, a cinnamon stick, and the browned chicken back into the pot.
  5. Turn the heat up until the mixture reaches a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes.
  6. After 30 minutes, uncover the pot and stir in 1 chopped preserved lemon and 1 cup of green olives. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
  7. Remove the cinnamon stick and taste the sauce for seasoning, adjusting with salt if needed. Serve topped with chopped fresh cilantro and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat tolerance. For richer flavors, prepare a day in advance. If using boneless chicken, reduce simmering time by 10-15 minutes. Leftovers taste even better and can be enjoyed over rice or as a wrap. Store appropriately in an airtight container.

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