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Chicken with Preserved Lemons

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Chicken with Preserved Lemons is a fragrant North African–inspired dish featuring tender chicken simmered with garlic, warm spices, and tangy preserved lemon rind. The result is a beautifully balanced meal with savory depth and bright citrus notes, perfect for serving with rice or couscous.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1–2 preserved lemons, rind finely chopped (pulp discarded)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup green olives (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add turmeric, cumin, ginger, and paprika. Stir to toast the spices briefly.
  7. Mix in the chopped preserved lemon rind and stir to combine.
  8. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  9. Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Add green olives during the last 5 minutes of cooking if using.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use only the rind of preserved lemons for best flavor balance.
  • Boneless thighs can be substituted; reduce cooking time slightly.
  • Add carrots or potatoes for a heartier one-pan meal.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chicken-with-preserved-lemons/