Lemon Chicken with Olives
Lemon Chicken with Olives is a simple stew, enhanced by saffron, ginger and cinnamon. It is based on a traditional Moroccan recipe which uses preserved lemons, rather than fresh lemons. The spices are warm, fragrant and gentle and the olives give an extra dimension of flavour to the sauce. The lemon is a fantastic flavour partner for rather than chicken and adds a freshness and vibrancy to the finished dish.
This is one of those brilliant recipes which are easy to prepare, can be made in advance and which are great for a weeknight supper but are also not out of place if you are entertaining. All you need to add is some couscous to soak up the delicious sauce and maybe some green vegetables such as beans, peas or broccoli.
What you need to know about Lemon Chicken with Olives
- Make sure that you cook the onions slowly at the start of the recipe to ensure that they are sweet and caramelised. This will add depth of flavour to your finished dish.
- The chicken pieces do not need to be browned before you add liquid to the casserole. When I make other chicken stews, I will brown the chicken as I have been taught that this will enhance the flavour. However, I was told many years ago in Morocco that this is not the usual practice when making this type of stew. Removing this stage makes this stew even quicker and easier and so I never do it when making this Moroccan-style stew.
- The difference between having a so-so chicken stew and a rich and delicious chicken stew is making sure that you reduce the sauce (step 7). At this point you remove the chicken pieces and set them aside so that they do not become overcooked while the sauce is reducing.
- You can make this recipe in advance and re-heat it.
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Other simple suppers
This recipe for Lemon Chicken with Olives is one of my regular weeknight supper options. It is easy, tasty and uncomplicated and can be made in under an hour. It can also be made in advance and then quickly re-heated. Although it is simple to make, it is also special enough to serve if I am entertaining. Here are some of my other simple supper recipes.
- Macaroni Cheese – this is a brilliant make-ahead vegetarian recipe which has a secret layer of caramelised onions and a bit of cayenne to balance its rich cheesiness. Topped with a layer of crisp breadcrumbs it is perfect served with a simple green salad.
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta – this is simple vegetarian sauce combines mushrooms and chestnuts and lots of garlic. It can be used with any kind of pasta but I prefer it with short pasta such as gigli or penne.
- Spaghetti with Smoked Salmon – this simple recipe can be made in 15 minutes. Smoked salmon trimmings are combined with fennel and chives and a squeeze of lemon.
- Moroccan-style Seafood Stew – this simple but luxurious stew combines warm spices with seafood of your choice (prawns, mussels, clams or white fish). Serve with couscous to mop up the delicious juices.
Lemon Chicken with Olives
PrintLemon Chicken with Olives
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Stew
Description
This easy Lemon Chicken with Olives and warm spices is the perfect simple supper recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 onions
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
- Pinch of saffron
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper
- 1 kilo free-range chicken legs and thighs
- A handful of green olives
- Juice of one lemon
Instructions
- If using oven, set to 180 C, 350 F or Gas Mark 4 (see point 6)
- Peel and chop the onions.
- Heat the olive oil in your casserole and add the chopped onions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook gently for around 10 minutes until the onions have softened.
- Add the crushed garlic cloves, saffron, ginger and cinnamon to the onions. Then add the chicken pieces.
- Add sufficient water to almost cover the chicken pieces and bring to the boil.
- You can now either transfer the casserole to your oven or cover it and continue to allow it to simmer gently on the top of your stove. In either case, the chicken will be cooked in 30 minutes.
- Then remove the chicken pieces from the casserole and place in another bowl. Remove the lid from your casserole and add the lemon juice and olives. Simmer uncovered on the top of your stove until the liquid has reduced to half its volume. This will take around 15 minutes. It will have thickened slightly and will taste rich and tangy.
- Put the chicken pieces back into the casserole and reheat.
This recipe has been shared on #CookBlogShare with Recipes Made Easy and #Fiesta Friday with Fiesta Friday and Mollie @ Frugal Hausfrau
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