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Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Tagine Recipe with Preserved Lemon and Olives

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A cozy and authentic Moroccan chicken tagine made easy in a slow cooker with preserved lemons, olives, and warm spices. Tender, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1–2 preserved lemons, quartered (or fresh lemon zest and splash of lemon juice as substitute)
  • 1 cup (150g) pitted green olives (preferably Castelvetrano)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • A handful of chopped cilantro and parsley for garnish
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine cumin, ginger, paprika, turmeric, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken thighs evenly.
  3. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and brown the other side for 2 minutes.
  4. Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the chicken thighs on top.
  5. Scatter the quartered preserved lemons and olives evenly over the chicken.
  6. Pour 1 cup (240ml) of chicken broth around the edges, avoiding washing off the spice rub.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender and the sauce is thickened and fragrant.
  8. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro and parsley over the top.
  9. Serve with fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, or steamed rice.

Notes

Optional browning of chicken adds deeper flavor but can be skipped to save time. If sauce is too thin after cooking, remove chicken and simmer sauce on stovetop to reduce. Rinse preserved lemons lightly to reduce saltiness before use. Can substitute fresh lemon zest and juice if preserved lemons unavailable but flavor will differ. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken tagine, preserved lemon, olives, Moroccan recipe, easy slow cooker, comfort food, authentic tagine

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/perfect-slow-cooker-chicken-tagine-recipe-with-preserved-lemon-and-olives-easy-and-authentic/