Moroccan Lemon Chicken With Olives

This classic Moroccan dish balances the warmth of spices with the bright acidity of lemon and the salty punch of green olives. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in a rich, aromatic sauce featuring saffron, cumin, and ginger. It is a comforting yet vibrant meal that feels special enough for dinner parties but is simple enough for a weeknight. The accompanying couscous soaks up every drop of the flavorful broth, making it a satisfying and complete plate.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Stewing

Cuisine: Moroccan

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 1

Calories: 450

Dietary: Vegan

Description

This classic Moroccan dish balances the warmth of spices with the bright acidity of lemon and the salty punch of green olives. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in a rich, aromatic sauce featuring saffron, cumin, and ginger. It is a comforting yet vibrant meal that feels special enough for dinner parties but is simple enough for a weeknight. The accompanying couscous soaks up every drop of the flavorful broth, making it a satisfying and complete plate.

Directions

1
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
2
Dredge the chicken pieces lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
3
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4
Add the chicken and onion mixture to the skillet. Sauté until the onion has softened and the chicken is lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
5
Stir in 1 cup of water, the saffron, ginger, cumin, paprika, salt, and lemon peel.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
7
Remove the chicken from the sauce and set aside to cool slightly.
8
Once cool enough to handle, debone the chicken and cut or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
9
Return the chicken meat to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped olives, cilantro, and black pepper.
10
Simmer the mixture gently for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
11
Meanwhile, bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
12
Stir in the couscous and return to a boil.
13
Remove the saucepan from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
14
Fluff the couscous with a fork. Serve the Moroccan chicken mixture spooned over the couscous.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 180mg60%
Sodium 450mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 2g
Protein 35g70%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: moroccan, chicken, lemon, olives, couscous, saffron, stew, dinner, spices, cumin, ginger, paprika, mediterranean, easy, comfort food

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/moroccan-lemon-chicken-with-olives/