Chicken Tagine with Candied Lemons and Olives Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 preserved lemon, sliced
• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For the Candied Lemons:

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Make the candied lemons: Combine the lemon slices, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat the olive oil in a tagine or large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and brown the other side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the same pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Stir in the cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
6. Add the chicken broth and saffron to the pot. Bring to a simmer and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits.
7. Add the chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. Add the sliced preserved lemon, olives, and half of the candied lemon slices. Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
8. Remove the lid and check that the chicken is cooked through (at least 165°F internally). Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and the remaining candied lemon slices.
9. Serve hot with couscous, rice, or crusty bread.

Verdict:

This Chicken Tagine with Candied Lemons and Olives is a sweet and savory dish with complex and comforting flavors. The chicken is tender and moist, and the candied lemons and olives add a delightful burst of flavor. It’s perfect to serve for a cozy dinner party or a family meal.