Slow-Simmered Chicken Tajine with Preserved Lemons and Green Olives

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Moroccan chicken stew slow-cooked with preserved lemons, green olives, and a blend of spices that infuse the meat with vibrant, tangy flavors. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, large, thinly sliced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and brown on all sides for about 6-7 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of saffron threads, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the chicken thighs to the pot and add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 medium preserved lemon rind (rinsed and thinly sliced), and 1 cup pitted green olives. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 45 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to add a fresh, bright note.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Chicken Tajine with Preserved Lemons and Green Olives take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Chicken Tajine with Preserved Lemons and Green Olives?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Chicken Tajine with Preserved Lemons and Green Olives?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Simmered Chicken Tajine with Preserved Lemons and Green Olives for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Simmered Chicken Tajine with Preserved Lemons and Green Olives?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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