Lemon & Olive Moroccan Chicken Delight
Savor the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this Lemon & Olive Moroccan Chicken Delight. This dish features tender chicken drumsticks marinated in a zesty blend of spices and fresh lemon juice, resulting in a tangy, savory experience with every bite. The addition of black olives and a rich, aromatic spice paste infuses the meat with deep flavors, making it a family-favorite. Though chicken breast can work in this recipe, the drumsticks bring more juiciness and flavor. You have the option to remove the skin for a healthier alternative; however, leaving it on will add richness to the dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, serve it alongside fragrant plain rice or a spicy pilaf for a complete meal. This recipe is adapted from 'Meals Without Red Meat' by Simon and Allison Holst, ensuring a wholesome and delicious dining experience.
4
Servings
625
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 large (Chopped finely)
Garlic cloves
3-4 (Chopped finely)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Tomato paste
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground paprika
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Fresh lemon
1 (Juice and cut into wedges)
Chicken drumsticks
8 pieces (N/A)
Fresh lemon
1 (Cut lengthways into eighths)
Black olives
15-20 (Pitted)
Coriander leaves
2 tablespoons (Fresh, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2
Finely chop the onion and garlic, ideally using a food processor for convenience.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground ginger, salt, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until a thick paste forms.
4
Place the chicken drumsticks in a shallow casserole dish. Generously coat the chicken with the spice paste, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. Add the lemon wedges and black olives to the dish, nestling them around the chicken.
5
For enhanced flavor, allow the marinated chicken to rest for 1-2 hours at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight.
6
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour, covering loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes to retain moisture. After 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the chicken to brown.
7
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken alongside plain rice or spicy pilaf, and sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves on top of each plate for a fresh garnish.
Nutrition Information
36.25g
Fat
14.75g
Carbs
48g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Lemon & Olive Moroccan Chicken Delight?
This dish features a tangy and savory flavor profile created by a zesty blend of Moroccan spices, fresh lemon juice, and black olives.
What cut of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 pieces of chicken drumsticks, as they provide more juiciness and flavor than other cuts.
Can I use chicken breast instead of drumsticks?
Yes, chicken breast can be used as an alternative, though the results may be less juicy than using drumsticks.
Is it necessary to leave the skin on the chicken?
Leaving the skin on adds richness to the dish, but you have the option to remove it for a healthier, lower-fat alternative.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 180°C or 350°F before baking the chicken.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should bake for a total of 1 hour.
Why is the chicken covered with foil for the first 30 minutes?
Covering the dish loosely with foil for the first half of baking helps to retain moisture in the meat.
When should I remove the foil during baking?
Remove the foil after the first 30 minutes of baking to allow the chicken to brown properly.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For enhanced flavor, let the chicken rest in the marinade for 1-2 hours at room temperature, or refrigerate it overnight.
What ingredients are used to make the spice paste?
The paste consists of finely chopped onion and garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground ginger, salt, and fresh lemon juice.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped finely.
What type of olives are used in this Moroccan dish?
The recipe specifies using 15-20 pitted black olives.
What are the recommended side dishes for this meal?
This chicken delight is best served alongside fragrant plain rice or a spicy pilaf.
What is the nutritional calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 625 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving provides 48 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 36.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 14.75 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there a specific garnish recommended for the finished dish?
Yes, sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top of each plate before serving for a fresh garnish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the easiest way to chop the onion and garlic?
Using a food processor is recommended for convenience when finely chopping the onion and garlic.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How are the lemons prepared for the dish?
One lemon is used for juice, and another is cut lengthways into eighths (wedges) to be nestled around the chicken.
What spices give the dish its Moroccan flair?
The dish uses ground cumin, ground paprika, and ground ginger.
Is salt included in the marinade?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included in the spice paste.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from 'Meals Without Red Meat' by Simon and Allison Holst.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, once removed from the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
How much tomato paste is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
Does this recipe contain any fiber or sugar data?
The specific fiber and sugar content for this recipe is not provided in the nutritional facts.
How many total ingredients are used in the recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed for this dish.
What should I do with the coriander leaves?
Use 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves to garnish the plates at the end.