This authentic Moroccan Chicken Stew Recipe brings North African flavors to your kitchen. Rich spices and tender chicken create a warming, satisfying meal.
Traditional ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and preserved lemons make this dish special. The stew combines sweet and savory elements perfectly.
Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with exotic flavors. This Moroccan Chicken Stew Recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home.
The aromatic spices fill your kitchen with incredible scents. You’ll love how the chicken becomes fall-off-the-bone tender.
When I First Introduced To
I discovered this Moroccan Chicken Stew Recipe during a cooking class in Marrakech. The instructor taught traditional Berber cooking techniques passed down through generations.
The complex flavor layers amazed me instantly. I knew I had to recreate this magical dish at home. The warm spices transported me back to Morocco’s bustling markets.

Equipment List
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in
- 2 onions, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 preserved lemon, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried apricots
- 1/4 cup green olives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Heat oil in large pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper generously.
- Brown chicken pieces on all sides completely.
- Remove chicken and set aside temporarily.
- Add onions to same pot, cook softly.
- Add garlic, cook for one minute only.
- Stir in cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric quickly.
- Return chicken to pot with accumulated juices.
- Add broth, preserved lemon, and apricots carefully.
- Bring mixture to gentle boil, then reduce.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes total.
- Add olives during last 10 minutes cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Recipe Tips
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness
- Toast whole spices before grinding for deeper, richer taste
- Don’t skip preserved lemons – they add authentic Moroccan flavor
- Let the stew rest 10 minutes before serving for better taste
- Make it a day ahead – flavors improve overnight significantly
What Can You Serve With Moroccan Chicken Stew Recipe
- Couscous: Fluffy steamed couscous absorbs the rich stew juices perfectly. Traditional and authentic pairing.
- Flatbread: Warm pita or naan bread helps scoop up every delicious bite.
- Rice Pilaf: Fragrant basmati rice provides a neutral base for the bold flavors.
Conclusion
This Moroccan Chicken Stew Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home. The blend of sweet apricots and savory spices creates unforgettable flavors.
Your family will request this comforting dish repeatedly. The exotic taste will transport you to Morocco’s vibrant souks and kitchens.
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Moroccan Chicken Stew Recipe
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs bone-in
- 2 onions diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 preserved lemon chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried apricots
- 1/4 cup green olives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in large pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper generously.
- Brown chicken pieces on all sides completely.
- Remove chicken and set aside temporarily.
- Add onions to same pot, cook softly.
- Add garlic, cook for one minute only.
- Stir in cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric quickly.
- Return chicken to pot with accumulated juices.
- Add broth, preserved lemon, and apricots carefully.
- Bring mixture to gentle boil, then reduce.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes total.
- Add olives during last 10 minutes cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness
- Toast whole spices before grinding for deeper, richer taste
- Don’t skip preserved lemons – they add authentic Moroccan flavor
- Let the stew rest 10 minutes before serving for better taste
- Make it a day ahead – flavors improve overnight significantly
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