Chicken Tagine with Olives is a traditional Moroccan dish that features tender chicken slow-cooked with aromatic spices, olives, and preserved lemons. This flavorful dish is often served with couscous or bread, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup green olives (pitted and halved)
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced, or 1 preserved lemon, rinsed and chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Timing

Making Chicken Tagine with Olives takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 40-50 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

1. Sauté Onions: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Tagine

1. Return Chicken: Add the seared chicken back to the pot, along with the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice (or chopped preserved lemon).
2. Simmer: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Add Olives

1. Stir in Olives: Add the halved green olives to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and cilantro.
2. Enjoy: Serve the chicken tagine hot with couscous, rice, or crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious Moroccan meal!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chicken Tagine with Olives (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	28g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	7g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes to the tagine for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with lamb or beef for a different flavor profile.
• Spice Variations: Adjust the spices according to your taste or add harissa for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Chicken Tagine with Olives is a fragrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine. With its tender chicken and rich sauce, it’s perfect for family meals or entertaining guests. Enjoy this delightful recipe!