Home / Moroccan

Free for a limited time

Moroccan Chicken Tagine With Preserved Lemon

By the Healthy Plate team

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Tagine is Morocco's signature dish: chicken slow-cooked with onions and spices until meltingly tender. The flavour comes from preserved lemon, olives and saffron — not fat.

In-article ad space

Why it's healthy

  • Skinless chicken and little oil
  • Slow cooking keeps it juicy
  • Spices, not fat, for flavour

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

15 minPrep
50 minCook
4Servings
380kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 onions, grated
  • 1 preserved lemon, chopped
  • A handful of green olives
  • 1 tsp each ginger, turmeric, cumin
  • A pinch of saffron
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Coriander and parsley

Method

  1. Coat the chicken with spices, oil and garlic; rest 15 minutes.
  2. Place in a tagine or heavy pot with the onions and half a cup of water; cover and cook on low for 35 minutes.
  3. Add preserved lemon, olives and herbs; cook 15 minutes more.
  4. Serve with wholegrain bread or couscous.
Clay Moroccan tagineAffiliate link — costs you nothing extra and supports the blog
Check price

Tip

No tagine? Any heavy pot with a tight lid works the same.

How to make preserved lemons at home

Quarter lemons without cutting through, pack with coarse salt, press into a jar and cover with lemon juice. Ready in 3–4 weeks and keeps for months.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken breast?

Yes, but cut the cooking to 25 minutes so it stays juicy.

What can replace preserved lemon?

Grated zest and juice of a lemon — milder, but good.

Is this tagine halal?

Yes — chicken, vegetables and spices, with no alcohol or non-halal ingredients.

⚠️ For general education only. If you have a health condition or allergy, consult your doctor.