Go Back
–+ servings
An alt Decision Tree in Images Tutorial Overview This decision tree describes how to use the alt attribute of the element in various situations. For some types of images, there are alternative approaches, such as using CSS background images for decorative images or web fonts instead of images of text. Does the image contain text? Yes: … and the text is also present as real text nearby. Use an empty alt attribute. See Decorative Images. … and the text is only shown for visual effects. Use an empty alt attribute. See Decorative Images. … and the text has a specific function, for example is an icon. Use the alt attribute to communicate the function of the image. See Functional Images. … and the text in the image is not present otherwise. Use the alt attribute to include the text of the image. See Images of Text. No: Continue. Is the image used in a link or a button, and would it be hard or impossible to understand what the link or the button does, if the image wasn’t there? Yes: Use the alt attribute to communicate the destination of the link or action taken. See Functional Images. No: Continue. Does the image contribute meaning to the current page or context? Yes: … and it’s a simple graphic or photograph. Use a brief description of the image in a way that conveys that meaning in the alt attribute. See Informative Images. … and it’s a graph or complex piece of information. Include the information contained in the image elsewhere on the page. See Complex Images. … and it shows content that is redundant to real text nearby. Use an empty alt attribute. See (redundant) Functional Images. No: Continue. Is the image purely decorative or not intended for users? Yes: Use an empty alt attribute. See Decorative Images. No: Continue. Is the image’s use not listed above or it’s unclear what alt text to provide? This decision tree does not cover all cases. For detailed information on the provision of text alternatives refer to the Images Tutorial.

Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon & Olives

Discover the authentic taste of Morocco with this comforting chicken tagine recipe. Made with tender chicken thighs, preserved lemons, green olives, and traditional spices, it’s a slow-cooked dish that brings warmth and depth of flavor to your table. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Moroccan
Servings 5
Calories 430 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Traditional clay tagine or heavy-bottomed pot
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Chef’s knife
  • 1 Chopping board
  • 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 5 Pieces Chicken thighs Bone-in, skin-on preferred
  • 2 Tbsp Olive oil Extra virgin
  • 1 Large Onion Cut into wedges
  • 3 Cloves Garlic Finely minced
  • 1 Whole Preserved lemon Guartered, seeds removed
  • 100 grams green olives Pitted
  • 1/2 Bunch Fresh cilantro Chopped
  • 1/2 Bunch Fresh parsley Chopped
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground ginger
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika Sweet or smoked
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt or to taste
  • 200 ml Water
  • 1/2 Whole Lemon

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, pepper, salt, garlic, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken thighs and let marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight recommended).
    Moroccan Chicken Tagine
  • Sauté the Onions: In your tagine or pot over medium heat, add a bit of oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent.
    Moroccan Chicken Tagine - Sauté the Onions
  • Add Chicken & Herbs: Place marinated chicken over the onions. Scatter preserved lemon quarters and olives around. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and cilantro.
  • Add Water & Simmer: Pour water gently around the tagine edges. Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until chicken is tender and sauce is reduced.
    Moroccan Chicken step to prepare
  • Serve: In the tagine, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with warm Moroccan bread for dipping, or serve alongside couscous.
    Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon & Olives serve

Notes

  • Tagine vs. Skillet: While a traditional clay tagine brings authentic slow-cooking benefits, this recipe can also be made in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven with a lid.
  • Preserved Lemon Substitute: If preserved lemons aren’t available, thin slices of regular lemon can be used. However, the flavor will be milder and slightly more bitter. Increase salt slightly to compensate.
  • Chicken Cut: This recipe uses 5 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) for optimal flavor and tenderness. You may substitute with drumsticks or mixed parts, adjusting cooking time slightly.
  • Spice Adjustment: The listed spices reflect traditional Moroccan flavor. Feel free to adjust according to preference—more cinnamon for warmth, or chili flakes for heat.
  • Olives Tip: Use pitted green olives. Moroccan varieties like Picholine are ideal, but any brined green olive works well.
  • Make Ahead: The dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It can be made up to 24 hours in advance and gently reheated before serving.
  • Serving Suggestion: Traditionally served directly from the tagine with Moroccan khobz (flatbread) to scoop up the sauce. For a more complete meal, serve with steamed couscous or rice.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and moisture.
  • Freezing: This dish freezes well without the olives. Add fresh olives after thawing and reheating to preserve their texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalProtein: 28gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 940mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Keyword Chicken Tagine, Moroccan Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Preserved Lemon, Traditional Moroccan Cuisine
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!