Chicken With Olives And Lemons(A Popular Moroccan Tejine)
A flavorful Moroccan stew featuring tender chicken, briny olives, and tangy lemons, simmered in aromatic spices for a hearty and vibrant meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced or mashed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground ⓘ
- dash of powdered saffron
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into serving pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 lemon, cut into 4 wedges ⓘ
- 1/3 cup green olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large heatproof casserole or Dutch oven.
- Stir in sliced onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro (if using), salt, black pepper, and powdered saffron.
- Add chicken pieces and turn to coat with the onion mixture. Arrange lemon wedges over the top.
- Cover and simmer until the chicken is very tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally.
- Remove chicken to a serving platter and keep warm.
- Increase heat and cook the liquid, stirring, until reduced to a thick sauce.
- Add green olives and heat through.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have saffron, turmeric can be a suitable substitute. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount of olives based on your taste preference; they add a great briny contrast to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side salad with citrus dressing adds a refreshing touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Wild Mushroom Soup or can be complemented by a light dessert like fruit salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave in short intervals, ensuring even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Olives And Lemons(A Popular Moroccan Tejine) contains roughly 306 calories, with 10g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (120% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), and potassium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1256mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken adds more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as it may take longer to become tender.
What can I substitute for olives if I don't like them?
If you're not a fan of olives, you can omit them entirely or replace them with capers for a similar briny flavor. Just reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Chicken With Olives And Lemons is great for meal prep! The flavors deepen when reheated, making it a tasty choice for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).