The chicken with olives and preserved lemons is a simple yet comforting dish full of character. The tenderness of the chicken, the aroma of the preserved lemon, and the salty touch of the olives create a perfect harmony that will delight your taste buds. This dish is timeless and delicious, perfect for family meals or gatherings with friends. It’s accompanied by crispy homemade fries for an even more indulgent meal… ✨
📝 Ingredients
👉 For the marinade :
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• Juice of one lemon
• 1 preserved lemon (cut into quarters)
• 150 ml water (or a small glass)
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 saffron cube (or a few saffron threads for a more subtle flavor)
👉 Other ingredients :
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 to 6 pieces of chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or thighs as you prefer)
• 200 g green olives, pitted
• Homemade fries (quantity as desired)
👨🍳 Preparation :
1. In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous texture.
2. Coat the chicken pieces with the marinade and let them rest for 2 hours in the refrigerator (or overnight for a more intense flavor).
3. Sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until translucent.
4. Add the chicken pieces and their marinade. If necessary, add a little water (about half a glass) to prevent sticking. Let simmer over low heat for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring regularly.
5. Meanwhile, blanch the olives in a pot of boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce bitterness and improve texture. Drain and set aside.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, separate the pieces from the sauce. Add the olives to the sauce and let simmer over very low heat for a few minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to brown them. → Note: Some air fryer models with dual baskets also allow you to brown the pieces while preparing the fries, without turning on the oven.
8. Meanwhile, prepare your homemade fries. Cut the potatoes into sticks, then fry them according to your preference: in a deep fryer, in the oven, or for a lighter cooking, in an air fryer.
🍽️ Presentation
In a serving dish, place the sauce with the olives as a base. Add the browned chicken pieces on top. Finish by placing the homemade fries over everything. Serve hot and enjoy!
✨ Tips and possible variations
✅ Marinate longer: For an even richer flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
✅ Vegetarian (vegan) version: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or tofu/seitan. Use the same marinade and cooking method.
✅ Olives: You can also opt for black or kalamata olives for a milder taste.
✅ Homemade preserved lemon: If you have time, let lemons rest in salt for 3 to 4 weeks to make homemade preserved lemons.
🍟 Fries tip: Choose fries baked in the oven or in an air fryer for a lighter but crispy version. For an even more original flavor, you can also try paprika or herb fries to enhance the taste of the chicken.
🛠️ Recommended equipment :
👉 For golden and crispy fries, with healthy and controlled cooking, the air fryer is a valuable ally — especially practical when the oven is already in use.
• 5.2 L Air Fryer - Ninja AF160EU
👉 Some models are equipped with two independent baskets, ideal for cooking fries and browning chicken simultaneously, without even having to turn on the oven — all without necessarily adding fat.
• 7.6 L Dual Zone Air Fryer - Ninja AF300EU
• 12.5 L Multi-Cooker Oven/Air Fryer Combo - Ninja SFP700EU
This recipe is a real treat for lovers of flavorful and savory cuisine, and with these tips and variations, it can be adapted to different diets and personal preferences. Enjoy your meal!
