Moroccan Lemon Chicken, sizzling, succulent and zesty- dish that transcends borders, and will leave you craving more!

Moroccan cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant spices, aromatic herbs and tantalizing flavors that dance on the palate. Among its many culinary delights, Moroccan Lemon Chicken  stands out as a true masterpiece, offering a symphony of taste sensations that captivate the senses.

What sets Moroccan Lemon Chicken apart is its harmonious blend of ingredients, each carefully selected to create a dish that is both comforting and exotic. The cooking process is simple yet transformative. Thinly sliced onions are layered at the bottom of a pot, providing a flavorful base for the chicken to rest upon. As the dish simmers gently, the onions caramelize, adding a subtle sweetness to the savory chicken.

We’re not only crafting a Moroccan Lemon Chicken that will have your guests’ taste buds dancing, but we’ll also unlock some of the secrets of traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Whether you’re an adventurous home cook looking to expand your horizons or simply craving a taste of something exotic. Moroccan Lemon Chicken is sure to delight your palate and transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Marrakech.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you longing for more. 

Recipe Pro Tips ingredients

• Mace powder: if not available, it will not change the taste profile of the dish.
• Cardamom powder: it’s not necessary if not available. 
• Green Olives: it’s a traditional and original garnish for this specific dish and other Moroccan dishes.
• Preserved Lemons: it’s not necessary if not available, it adds the tantalizing citrusy flavor and the spices profile.

What you will need for this Recipe

How to make this recipe

Step 1- Clean thoroughly chicken with salt and vinegar or salt and lemon, then rinse with clean water. Transfer it to a drainer and set aside to drain from the water.

Step 2- Add all spices, cilantro and parsley, minced or crushed garlic, and olive oil or just vegetable oil.

Step 3- Season the chicken generously with all the spices and allow it to marinate. Set aside.

Step 4- Thinly slice the onions and layer them at the bottom of either an instant pot or a regular pot.  Then, place the marinated chicken on top. No additional water is necessary.

Step 5- Cook the chicken for 20 minutes on a medium heat. Then open the pressure cooker, and check if the sauce thickened if not sauté for 10 minutes or until most of the water evaporated while flipping the chicken gently upside down.

Step 6- Gently transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, then add sauce on top and either green olives or kalamata olives, and preserved lemons if available.

Pro Tips for making this recipe.

• Cleaning the chicken with salt and vinegar or salt and lemon removes the gluey jelly part between the skin and meat of the chicken, also it reduces the fat around the chicken. The result is a tasty chicken.
• The secret to a tasty lemon chicken is the cleaning of the chicken, marination and the last step of sauce thickening.
• You can use either red or white onions, but the traditional recipe uses red onions.
• Garlic and ginger are the two key ingredients to a tasty lemon chicken.
• You can marinate your chicken the night before which will result to a tastier chicken but it’s not a must, with this method it will still taste amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moroccan lemon chicken?

Moroccan lemon chicken is a traditional dish from Morocco that features tender chicken pieces marinated and cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, fresh lemon juice, and sometimes preserved lemons. 

How can I serve Moroccan lemon chicken?

It can be served with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, or with fluffy couscous, or rice. It may also be accompanied by a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, salad, or olives to complement the dish. 

What is the preserved lemons replacement?

You can substitute with lemon juice.

Can I make Moroccan lemon chicken ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors often deepen and develop further when the dish is allowed to marinate for several hours or overnight.

Is Moroccan lemon chicken spicy?

The level of spiciness in Moroccan lemon chicken can vary depending on the recipe and personal preference. While the dish typically includes warm spices like cumin and paprika, it’s not necessarily overly spicy. Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste.

Can I use boneless chicken in Moroccan lemon chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used in Moroccan lemon chicken instead of bone-in pieces. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.

Is Moroccan lemon chicken gluten-free?

Yes, Moroccan lemon chicken can be gluten-free if prepared with gluten-free ingredients. Ensure that any seasonings or condiments used are certified gluten-free and serve the dish with gluten-free sides such as rice or quinoa for a complete gluten-free meal.

If you like rice, check out my Moroccan chicken and rice recipe.

Delicious Moroccan Lemon Chicken

Author: Cali Cooking Method:Sautéing, Searing Cuisine:Mediterranean Courses:Lunch, Supper Recipe Keys: Gluten Free Dairy Free

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 20 minutesCook time: 40 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time:1 hour Servings:4 servingsCalories:650 kcal Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

“Delve into the tantalizing world of Moroccan cuisine with our recipe for Moroccan lemon chicken”.

Ingredients

• (1) whole chicken cut in four
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 3 garlic gloves
• 2 medium onions
• 1/2 tablespoon of cilantro
• 1/2 tablespoon of parsley
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom (only if available)
• 1/8 teaspoon mace powder (only if available)
• 1/3 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
• Few threads of saffron if available
• 1 tablespoon of Ghee butter if available

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine salt, vinegar or lemon and water. Leave the chicken for few minutes than remove the gluey jelly skin and undesired fat and/ or skin.
2. Rinse the chicken with fresh water and set aside.
3. Thinly slice either red or white onions, then transfer to either a deep pot or instant pot.
4. Add all spices, herbs and oil to the chicken and rub the chicken and everything.
5. Stack the marinated chicken over the onions and cook for 20 minutes on a medium heat. No need to add water.
6. Open the pot, if you see lots of water, flip the chicken upside down, reduce heat and sauté for 5 minutes.
7. Gently remove the cooked chicken and transfer to the serving plate and sauté the sauce until all or some of the water evaporated. If available, add ghee butter at the end.
8. Top off the chicken with sauce and garnish with kalamata or green olives and preserved lemons if available.
9. Serve it with crunchy bread, a side of quinoa, French fries or oven-roasted potatoes. This recipe goes well with bread and fries.

Keywords:Lemon chicken, Moroccan lemon chicken, delicious chicken, delicious lemon chicken, Mediterranean chicken recipes, Chicken recipes