Moroccan Spiced Chicken Tajine with Lemons and Olives
Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this aromatic Tajine Msir Zeetoon, featuring tender chicken marinated in a blend of spices, fresh lemons, and three types of olives. This one-dish meal is a delightful combination of zesty, sour flavors and savory goodness, perfect for those who enjoy a flavorful kick in their meals. With a total preparation time of just 40 minutes, including marinating, this dish is both quick and easy to prepare. Serve it alongside warm crusty bread or fluffy couscous to soak up the delectable sauce. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken
1 (cut into serving pieces (or 8 pieces: thighs or drumsticks, skin off))
cumin
1 tablespoon (ground)
paprika
2 teaspoons (ground)
ginger
1/2-1 teaspoon (ground)
turmeric
1/2-1 teaspoon (ground)
garlic cloves
5 (chopped)
fresh coriander
several handfuls (chopped (or 1 teaspoon of coriander powder))
lemons
2 (juice of)
black pepper
to taste (ground)
cayenne pepper
to taste (ground)
flour
3-5 tablespoons (for coating)
tomatoes
4 (chopped (ripe or canned))
green or black olives
10-15 (drained (varieties of choice))
lemon
1 (cut into 6 wedges)
extra virgin olive oil
50 ml (for drizzling)
chicken stock
250 ml (homemade or store-bought)
lemon juice
to taste (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cumin, paprika, ginger, turmeric, garlic, coriander, lemon juice, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated, then cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2
Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F or Gas Mark 3). After marination, add the flour to the bowl, tossing the chicken pieces to coat them evenly.
3
Transfer the marinated chicken to a deep baking dish, arranging the pieces in a single layer. Add the chopped tomatoes, variety of olives, lemon wedges, olive oil, and chicken stock. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
4
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, particularly with an additional squeeze of lemon juice, and serve hot with crusty bread or couscous for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan Spiced Chicken Tajine?
It is a traditional Moroccan dish, also known as Tajine Msir Zeetoon, featuring chicken marinated in spices, lemons, and a variety of olives.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish offers a vibrant combination of zesty, sour, and savory flavors with a spicy kick from the aromatic spice blend.
How long does it take to prepare the recipe?
The total preparation time, which includes marinating the chicken, is approximately 40 minutes.
How much time is needed for marinating the chicken?
The chicken should be covered and left to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F or Gas Mark 3).
What types of chicken pieces are best for this tajine?
You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces, or 8 specific pieces such as thighs or drumsticks with the skin removed.
What spices are included in the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of ground cumin, paprika, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Can I use coriander powder instead of fresh coriander?
Yes, if fresh coriander is unavailable, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of coriander powder.
How many garlic cloves are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 chopped garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The flour is used to coat the marinated chicken pieces before they are placed in the baking dish, helping to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
What type of olives should I use?
You can use 10-15 green or black olives, or a combination of varieties based on your preference.
How are the lemons prepared for the dish?
The recipe uses the juice of 2 lemons for the marinade and 1 additional lemon cut into 6 wedges to be baked with the chicken.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use either 4 fresh ripe tomatoes or canned chopped tomatoes.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil for drizzling.
Is store-bought chicken stock acceptable?
Yes, you can use 250 ml of either homemade or store-bought chicken stock.
How long should the chicken bake in the oven?
The dish should bake for approximately 1 hour in total until the chicken is tender.
Why do I need to remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking?
Removing the foil allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together more effectively.
What should I serve with Moroccan Spiced Chicken Tajine?
It is best served hot with warm crusty bread or fluffy couscous to soak up the sauce.
Is this dish considered spicy?
Yes, the combination of spices and cayenne pepper provides a flavorful kick, though the spice level can be adjusted to taste.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
The dish provides 25g of protein per serving.
How much fat and carbohydrates are in the dish?
The dish contains 12.5g of fat and 20g of carbohydrates.
Can I adjust the seasoning after cooking?
Yes, you can taste the final sauce and adjust it with more black pepper, cayenne, or an additional squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
How many lemons are needed in total?
You will need 3 lemons in total: 2 for juice and 1 for wedges, plus extra juice for final seasoning if desired.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal where the chicken and vegetables are baked together.
How many olives are included in the recipe?
The recipe requires between 10 and 15 drained olives.
What is the total time from start to finish?
The total time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes, including 40 minutes for prep/marinating and 1 hour for baking.
Does the recipe require a specific type of baking dish?
A deep baking dish is recommended to hold the chicken pieces in a single layer along with the stock and vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the recipe is described as quick and easy to prepare, making it suitable for cooks of all levels.
Can I use different types of meat?
While this recipe specifically features chicken, the Moroccan spice blend and cooking technique are common for various tajine styles.