Chicken Tagine with Olives & Preserved Lemon
Aromatic, Tangy, and Unforgettably Moroccan

Golden chicken tagine, slow-cooked with olives, lemons, and spices.
Why This Recipe Works
- Authentic flavors: A balance of saffron, ginger, and preserved lemon.
- One-pot wonder: Easy cleanup, layered cooking for depth.
- Versatile: Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
📝 Ingredients
(Serves 4)
Main | Spices | Aromatics |
---|---|---|
1 whole chicken (cut) | 1 tsp ground ginger | 1 preserved lemon (quartered) |
1 cup green olives (pitted) | 1 tsp turmeric | 1 large onion (sliced) |
2 tbsp olive oil | ½ tsp saffron threads | 3 garlic cloves (minced) |
1 cup water | 1 tsp paprika | Fresh cilantro (to garnish) |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken with olive oil, garlic, ginger, turmeric, saffron, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Brown the Onions
Heat olive oil in the tagine (or heavy pot). Sauté onions until golden. Add a pinch of salt to caramelize faster.
3. Slow-Cook to Perfection
Layer chicken over onions. Add water, cover, and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes. Add olives and preserved lemon. Cook 15 more minutes until tender.
4. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Traditional pairing: Warm crusty bread or couscous.
🎥 Watch How It's Made
✨ Chef's Creative Twists
- For a richer sauce: Add 1 tbsp honey with the olives.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with chickpeas and carrots.
- Spice lovers: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the marinade.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
---|---|---|---|
320 kcal | 28g | 6g | 18g |
💬 Reader's Corner
A: Yes! Use a Dutch oven, but reduce liquid by 25% (tagines retain moisture better).
A: Up to 3 days in the fridge—flavors improve overnight! You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.
Final Thought
This tagine is Morocco in a dish—bright, comforting, and layered with history. Share your creation with #MyMoroccanTagine!