Oven Baked Moroccan Chicken (Crispy & Juicy!)

This Moroccan chicken recipe promises succulent, juicy chicken that's crispy on the outside, flavoured with bold Moroccan spices and cooked with olives, prunes and preserved lemons. The chicken develops a delicious sauce as it bakes which is perfect for mopping up with bread.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger (ground)
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves (ground)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 3 preserved lemons (or substitute juice and zest of 1 lemon)
• 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried prunes (or substitute dried apricots, dates, or raisins)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup green olives (pitted)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1To make the chicken marinade, start by draining and chopping the preserved lemon.
2. 2Place the chicken in a bowl and combine it with the preserved lemon, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix well until combined. Leave it to marinate overnight, or for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
3. 3Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
4. 4Heat up a large cast iron pan (or oven safe skillet) over medium high heat and add the olive oil.
5. 5Sear the chicken on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden on the outside. It will not be fully cooked, remove and set aside on a plate.
6. 6Lower the heat to medium and add in the chopped onions and sauté until softened, 3-5 minutes.
7. 7Add in the garlic as well as the paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and salt, along with the prunes, and continue stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes.
8. 8Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a bubble. Add the olives and nestle the chicken pieces back in the pan with the rest of the ingredients.
9. 9Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until fully cooked through and the tops of the chicken are golden. If required, broil for 1-2 minutes to get more colour.
10. 10Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!