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Chicken Tagine with Fennel, Preserved Lemons, and Green Olives

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Chicken Tagine with Fennel, Preserved Lemons, and Green Olives

Photo by PhoebeLapine

This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Recipe with Citrus & Olives
SwoonMySpoon's Testing Notes: This recipe sang "dinner guests" the moment I read through the ingredients. If you're not a lover of cilantro, you needn't worry. When cooked with the chicken, it disguises itself in such...
This recipe sang "dinner guests" the moment I read through the ingredients. If you're not a lover of cilantro, you needn't worry. When cooked with the chicken, it disguises itself in such a way that you just might become a fan. The marinade comes together quickly in a food processor, and with only a few ingredients that require actual prep-work, you won't be spending all day in the kitchen. The flavors in the finished dish are fragrant with just the right complexity, while the olives and chickpeas add textures that are elegant and earthy. It’s an easy and beautiful dish that is sure to be on my dinner table again. My guests? Well, they're hoping for another invitation.

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Chef
PhoebeLapine's Notes: This Moroccan chicken stew is as easy as it is elegant. Preserved lemons give a wonderful floral aroma to the end result, while the olives provide the necessary brine to cut the richness of...
This Moroccan chicken stew is as easy as it is elegant. Preserved lemons give a wonderful floral aroma to the end result, while the olives provide the necessary brine to cut the richness of the chicken broth. A perfect winter one-pot meal. - BigGirlPhoebz

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Serves 4

For the marinade::

1 large shallot Ask a question about this ingredient

3 garlic cloves Ask a question about this ingredient

2-inch knob ginger, peeled Ask a question about this ingredient

1 cup cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish Ask a question about this ingredient

Zest of 1 lemon Ask a question about this ingredient

Juice of 1 lemon Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon salt Ask a question about this ingredient

¼ cup olive oil Ask a question about this ingredient

For the tagine: :

4 whole chicken legs Ask a question about this ingredient

1 tablespoon olive oil Ask a question about this ingredient

1 medium yellow onion, diced Ask a question about this ingredient

1 fennel bulb, trimmed, quartered, and thinly sliced Ask a question about this ingredient

One 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained Ask a question about this ingredient

1 quart chicken stock or water Ask a question about this ingredient

2 small preserved lemons, pith removed, and zest thinly sliced Ask a question about this ingredient

½ pound pitted green olives (kalamata) Ask a question about this ingredient

2 teaspoons fresh thyme (optional) Ask a question about this ingredient

n a small food processor, puree the ingredients for the marinade. (Or, alternatively, you can mince by hand). Place the chicken in a medium mixing bowl and cover with the marinade. Rub the mixture into all the crevices of the meat, including under the skin, until very well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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n a large Dutch oven or lidded casserole, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and brown it in batches, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
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Add the onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Add the chicken back to the pot, along with the fennel, chickpeas, chicken stock, and any remaining marinade. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn back to low and simmer, covered for 45 minutes. Add the preserved lemon, olives, and thyme (if using). Cover and simmer for another 20 minutes, until the chicken is very tender, but not falling apart. Taste for seasoning, and add salt and pepper as needed.
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To serve, place one chicken leg on each plate and spoon the broth over the top, making sure to get some of the olives, fennel, and chickpeas. Serve alongside couscous and/or crusty bread.
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5 Comments on Chicken Tagine with Fennel, Preserved Lemons, and Green Olives

MrsBeeton added 5 months ago

Our new family favorite. Now simply known in our household as "the best chicken stew ever." Thanks for an amazing recipe!

alexmr added 6 months ago

Fantastic!

Mollyh added 7 months ago

What a remarkable dish. I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs and it was delicious. My husband, who doesn't eat olives, still devoured it. I look forward to making this again!