How to Make Moroccan Chicken with Saffron and Preserved Lemon - A Step-by-Step Guide

Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Morocco with this fragrant and savory Moroccan Chicken with Saffron and Preserved Lemon recipe. This dish is a classic example of the bold and complex flavors that Moroccan cuisine is known for, combining the richness of saffron, the tanginess of preserved lemon, and a medley of aromatic spices to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.

One of the standout ingredients in this recipe is saffron, which is a highly prized spice known f...

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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil, or to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 large chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
  • 1 medium white onion, chopped
  • 2 cups water, or as needed
  • 16 saffron threads
  • ½ preserved lemon, pulp discarded and thinly sliced
  • 2 artichoke bottoms, chopped (Optional)
  • ¼ cup olives, or to taste (Optional)
  • ¼ cup coarsely chopped parsley (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Additional Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 5 hrs 5 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Marinate the chicken: Whisk oil, garlic, turmeric, cumin seeds, salt, and pepper together in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add chicken and coat with marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours.
  • When ready to cook, remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Discard remaining marinade.
  • Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add chicken, skin-side down, and cook until browned, about 4 minutes. Flip chicken and cook until browned on the other side, about 3 minutes more.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and pour in enough water to cover chicken halfway. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Sprinkle saffron threads onto chicken and top with preserved lemon slices. Cover and cook until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and juices run clear, about 5 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Transfer chicken to a serving platter and garnish with artichokes, olives, and parsley.
  • Spoon sauce over chicken or serve on the side. If a thicker sauce is desired, continue simmering liquid in the stockpot for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.
  • Nutrition

    482 cal.

    • Total Fat: 38g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 96mg
    • Sodium: 1787mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 7g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 28g
    • Vitamin C: 9mg
    • Calcium: 46mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 289mg