Moroccan Chicken Stew with Preserved Lemons

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3 lbs) chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) ground cumin
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) ground coriander
• 10 ml (2 tsp) ground ginger
• 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
• 5 ml (1 tsp) ground turmeric
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth
• 2 preserved lemons, rind only, thinly sliced
• 150 g (1 cup) green olives, pitted and halved
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked couscous, for serving

Cooking Time

Total estimated time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season them with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and all the spices: cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance their aroma.

Step 4: Build the Stew

Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Add Final Flavors

Stir in the preserved lemons, olives, and lemon juice. Allow the stew to simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from heat and let the stew rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot over a bed of cooked couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion

Congratulations on bringing a slice of Morocco to your kitchen with this delightful Moroccan Chicken Stew with Preserved Lemons! Every bite of this fragrant dish promises a balanced symphony of spices and zesty accents, offering a taste experience that’s both exotic and comforting. Share this dish with family and friends, and enjoy the warmth and coziness it brings to your dining table. Savor the journey through flavors and culture and look forward to more culinary explorations. Bon appétit!

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

See Full Bio

AI SEO Marketing Analytics Education Writing Copywriting Science Technology Manufacturing Web analytics Data science