Tajine Djej (Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives)

Tajine Djej is one of the most traditional dishes in Morocco. It is widely eaten across the country, both in homes and restaurants. The dish is slowly cooked with chicken, onions, spices, olives, and preserved lemon. The flavor is warm, slightly tangy, and aromatic. Traditionally, it is cooked in a clay pot called a tagine. At home, you can prepare it in a heavy pot with a lid and keep the authentic taste.

😌 Difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Preparation time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cooking time: 45 minutes
⏳ Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
👥 Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt
• 1 preserved lemon (salted lemon, rind only, finely chopped)
• 100 g green olives
• 200 ml water
• Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish

Typical side:

• Moroccan bread (khobz – round flat bread)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to release aroma.
4. Add chicken pieces and coat them well with the onion and spice mixture.
5. Add water, cover with a lid, and cook on low heat for about 35-40 minutes. Turn chicken once during cooking.
6. Add chopped preserved lemon rind and olives. Cook uncovered for 5-10 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley or coriander before serving.
9. Serve hot with Moroccan bread.

SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡

Use only the rind of the preserved lemon, not the soft inside. The rind gives the traditional tangy flavor without making the dish too salty.