Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! This Moroccan Chicken with Green Olives and Lemon is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines the vibrant, bold spices of North Africa with tender, succulent chicken that will make your mouth water. Get ready to wow your family and impress your dinner guests with a dish that brings the magic of Moroccan cuisine right to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and ground coriander on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and reduce heat to medium. Sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the onions. Pour fresh lemon juice over the chicken and scatter pitted green olives around the meat.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the lid and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to slightly reduce and concentrate its flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin that seals in all the delicious flavors.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and the best searing results.
- Don't rush the cooking process—low and slow simmering is key to developing rich, deep flavors.
- For extra authenticity, toast your cumin and coriander briefly in the pan before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities.
- Choose high-quality, briny green olives for the most authentic Moroccan taste.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve with traditional accompaniments like couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh cilantro is not just a garnish—it adds a bright, fresh note that complements the rich, spiced chicken perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 335kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
