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Home » Moroccan Chicken (Djej Makalli)

Moroccan Chicken (Djej Makalli)

April 16, 2014

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This famous and authentic Moroccan Chicken known as Djej Makalli is packed so full of amazing flavors, it will make your taste buds sing!

Moroccan chicken recipe preserved lemons olives djej makalli

How to Make Moroccan Chicken

One of the most renowned and popular dishes in Morocco, Djej Makalli combines two staple ingredients of Moroccan cuisine:  Preserved lemons and olives.  The authentic Moroccan chicken recipe is marinated in flavorful spices then slow-simmered in a sauce that will make your taste buds sing!

Moroccan cuisine is considered to be one of the most diversified cuisines in the world, its country having interacted with and embraced many other nations and cultural influences over the centuries.  One of Morocco’s top priorities has been to protect and preserve its diverse legacy and culture.  Moroccan cuisine is primarily Berber-Moorish, but is also influenced by Europe and the Mediterranean in some of its techniques and flavors, evidenced by today’s featured dish.

Moroccan food is known for its vibrant flavors and this Moroccan chicken is a perfect example.  Garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric, preserved lemon, olives, cilantro, parsley…these are a few of the ingredients that combine to produce a truly unforgettable meal.

But the undisputed star of the show is the preserved lemon.  Preserved lemons are lemons on steroids! They add intensity of flavor without the sourness of fresh lemons.  They completely transform any dish in which they’re used.  There is no substitute.  But fortunately for all of us they are super easy to make!  All you need is a little time and patience.

Get our Preserved Lemons recipe!

preserved lemons recipe Moroccan Middle Eastern cooking Meyer

What is a Tagine?

Traditionally this chicken dish would be cooked in a special North African pot called a Tagine.  It’s formed entirely of a heavy clay, which is often painted or glazed, such as mine, pictured below. It’s fairly shallow and consists of a base where the food is placed and a large cone/dome-shaped lid that is designed to promote the return of all condensation to the bottom. With the cover removed, the base can be taken to the table for serving.

Check out our Chicken Tagine recipe!

chicken tagine recipe moroccan butternut squash pumpkin chicken almonds raisins apricot authentic harissa

But fear not, you don’t need a tagine to get heavenly results.  This Moroccan Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olives will become an instant family favorite.  My 2 and 4 year old kids both loved it and my husband couldn’t wait to take the leftovers with him to work the next day.

Bottom line:  This dish is a must.  Whether you’re already adventurous and love world cuisine, would like to become more familiar with world cuisine, or just plain appreciate good food, this dish is for you.  Make it.  You’ll be very happy you did.  The layers of flavor in this dish are amazing!  Just don’t forget to make those preserved lemons first!

Preserved Lemon Chicken

How to Make Authentic Moroccan Chicken (Djej Makalli)

Let’s get started!

You can use 4 whole chicken breasts if you like.  I prefer to use two and cut them in half lengthwise to make smaller fillets.  This dish can also be made with bone-in chicken pieces (traditionally you would use a whole chicken and cut it up into pieces).  Whichever route you take, all roads lead to culinary heaven.

Combine all the marinade ingredients.

Place the chicken in a zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over it.  Swish it around to ensure the chicken is all coated.  Let it marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve maximum flavor.

Very finely dice the onion and chop the cilantro and parsley.

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.  Cook the onions until soft and transparent, 5-7 minutes.

Add the chicken and cook just until white, about 2 minutes on each side.  (In Morocco, traditionally the chicken is not fried first but just briefly cooked until white and then slow simmered in the sauce.)

Add the broth and any remaining marinade from the zip-lock bag.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, turning the chicken over once after 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, get one preserved lemon and discard the pulp.  Thoroughly rinse the peels to get rid of the excess salt.

Finely chop the preserved lemon peel.

Add the preserved lemon, chopped cilantro and parsley, and olives to the chicken.  Stir to incorporate them into the sauce.  Return to a simmer, cover, and simmer for another 15 minutes.  Stir in the lemon juice and add salt to taste.

Preserved Lemon Chicken prep 11

 

Moroccan chicken recipe preserved lemons olives djej makalli

Moroccan chicken recipe preserved lemons olives djej makalli

Moroccan Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olives (Djej Makalli)

The Daring Gourmet, www.daringgourmet.com
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise to make 4 fillets (you can use 4 chicken breasts if you prefer a larger serving, you can also use bone-in chicken pieces if you prefer)
  • For the marinade:
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed and finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh minced ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 preserved lemon pulp discarded, peels thoroughly rinsed and finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup pitted or whole Kalamata olives rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • To make the marinade, combine the olive oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric, salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over. Swish around to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Cook the onions until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add the chicken and cook just until it turns white, about 2 minutes on each side. Add the broth and any remaining marinade from the zip-lock bag. Bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, turning the chicken over once after 10 minutes.
  • Add the preserved lemon, parsley, cilantro and olives, stir to incorporate into the sauce, cover and simmer for another 15 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and add salt to taste. Serve immediately with a leafy green salad, couscous or bread.
Tried this recipe? We'd love to see it!Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Affiliate, All Recipes, By Country or Region, Chicken, Disclosure, Food, Gluten Free, Main Dishes, Middle East, Morocco, Paleo Tagged With: authentic, chicken, djej makalli, gluten free, main dish, Moroccan chicken, Morocco, North African, olives, paleo, preserved lemons, tagine

« How To Make Preserved Lemons
Preserved Lemon Ginger Pound Cake »

58 Responses

  1. Helga says

    May 11, 2020 at 2:15 pm

    I made this for my family on Mother’s Day. It was absolutely delicious and everyone raved about it.
    The complexity of the flavours were incredible. The preserved lemon really added to the dish. I will be trying a few more of the recipes that have the preserved lemon. Thanks so much for a wonderful dish.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      May 12, 2020 at 10:44 pm

      That’s wonderful, Helga, I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it, thanks so much!

      Reply
  2. Manning Smith says

    October 23, 2019 at 9:22 pm

    I have spent some time in Ecuador. The food is lovely. I brought back two recipes which I still prepare with some frequency. The first one is a breakfast dish called “mote pillo”. It is hominy (menudo) with a sofrito of garlic, onions and Annatto. Eggs are scrambled into the hominy. It really is delicious. The other is “seco de pollo” which is a chicken stew with garlic, onions, bell pepper and cilantro. It is slow simmered with beer.
    If either one of these is interesting to you I will be glad to provide details.
    I cooked your Mach Boos this weekend. It was delicious, despite the gathering of ingredients. It really was worth the effort.
    Thank you for your obvious lengthy research and testing I know it is a lot of work for you but I appreciate the recipes.
    Regards,
    Manning Smith

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      October 23, 2019 at 9:26 pm

      Hi Manning, thank you, I really appreciate the compliment. Both of those dishes you described sound wonderful and I’d be delighted if you shared the details – I’m sure our other readers would appreciate it as well. Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Manning Smith says

    August 14, 2019 at 4:33 pm

    Thank you. This was just delightful.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 14, 2019 at 8:57 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Manning, thank you!

      Reply
  4. Marta says

    June 19, 2019 at 7:10 am

    I loved this recipe! Perfect!

    Reply
  5. Rob says

    December 2, 2018 at 7:42 am

    I just wanted to let you know that we’ve started making this recipe a few years back and it has very quickly become a family favorite. We make it maybe twice a month?

    The only alteration we make is just 1 tbl of parsley and no cilantro (only because you can’t get it in South Korea).

    We usually have it along with salad and some sort of Middle Eastern Yoghurt dish.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      December 2, 2018 at 8:22 am

      That’s wonderful, Rob, thanks so much for the feedback!

      Reply
  6. Jennifer says

    February 28, 2018 at 4:12 am

    Hi Kimberly,
    I love the sound of this recipe. I was wondering if I could add potatoes and green beans would I marinate those in the ziplock bag along with the chicken or just put them in the pot just before II add the chicken? Also would you recommend precooking the potatoes and beans before? Last question, if I wanted to cook it in my tangine how would I do that? In the oven or on the stove top?
    Thanks so much for your help.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      February 28, 2018 at 3:13 pm

      Hi Jennifer, I would do the latter (not marinate them) and if the chunks aren’t too loud you shouldn’t need to pre-cook them. I haven’t made this particular dish in a tagine so I’m not sure what the cooking time would be, but generally with a tagine you want to cook it on low, around 325 F, with the dome on and cook until the chicken and potatoes are done, probably at least 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Happy cooking!

      Reply
  7. Ivan says

    January 17, 2018 at 7:27 pm

    Thanks for this amazing recipe…just pickled the lemons and can’t wait to try them in that yummy chicken recipe of yours.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      January 17, 2018 at 8:14 pm

      Fantastic, Ivan! The hardest part now is waiting for those lemons to be ready…but it’s so worth the wait!

      Reply
  8. Robin Nordman says

    November 27, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    I am going ti make this recipe soon .. My Preserved Lemons are 6 months old and a bit mushy .. perfect .. Will add some more garlic and ginger once chicken had been browned .. After 30 minutes in cooking liquid garlic is pretty mild .. 1/2 cup of white wine will be in the pot as well.. Chopped cilantro on top just as it’s served .. Can’t wait ..
    Your blog is excellent . Thanks

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      November 27, 2017 at 7:56 pm

      Thanks so much, Robin, and I hope you enjoy this dish!

      Reply
  9. Cat says

    November 27, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    I made the marinade but I can’t “pour” it because there’s only 2 T of olive oil. In your picture the marinade looks more liquidy. Is there a typo and we should use more than 2T of OO?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      November 27, 2017 at 7:59 pm

      Hi Cat, 2 tablespoons is correct and once you add the marinade to the chicken in a ziplock bag you’ll swish/massage it around to coat the chicken.

      Reply
    • Scott Moore says

      January 24, 2018 at 11:35 am

      I had the same thought. Wound up with the thick slurry rather than a liquid marinade. I have not put it in the bag yet, but we’ll stick to the recipe and see how it works out…. did add a couple of extra tablespoons of 00 just to be safe

      Reply
  10. Dan Greenberg says

    September 16, 2017 at 6:37 am

    This recipe looks wonderful and we are going to use it for a crowd we have coming over this week. Stupid question: by two breasts you mean one chicken’s worth? That’s what it looks like to me but my wife thinks one chicken = one breast. Can you settle the debate? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      September 16, 2017 at 9:45 am

      Hi Dan, yes, it’s the referring to one breast from each side of the chicken, so a total of two breasts. I hope you have a great dinner party – let us know what you think!

      Reply
  11. Melissa says

    August 9, 2017 at 5:20 am

    I made this tonight using a combination of boneless thigh fillets and drumstick, and served with cous cous and toasted pine nuts. This was an incredible dish! Thanks so much for this recipe. This will be a family favourite for years to come and will put our lemon tree / preserved lemons to excellent use.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 9, 2017 at 9:19 am

      Wonderful, Melissa, I’m so happy to hear that, thank you!

      Reply
      • Jeanne says

        March 14, 2020 at 1:14 pm

        Why do you not use the lemon pulp also?

        Reply
        • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

          March 14, 2020 at 2:48 pm

          Hi Jeanne, you can if you want to. Most people prefer not to use it because of its slimy, mushy texture. It’s strictly personal preference.

          Reply
  12. GARY VINEYARD says

    June 25, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    I’m confused…you keep referring to using the rind of the lemons yet in a picture you are using the rind and the pith…no pulp. which is it and thanks.

    Gary

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      June 26, 2017 at 10:59 pm

      Hi Gary, you use the rind and pith but discard the pulp.

      Reply
  13. Glyn says

    December 14, 2016 at 9:23 am

    I’m going to make this for tomorrow but I’m going to have to supplement the breast fillet with some thigh fillets as that’s what I have in the fridge… Do you think that will be ok?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      December 14, 2016 at 9:27 am

      Hi Glyn, absolutely yes. Thigh meat has far more flavor than breast anyway, so that’s a terrific choice. Happy cooking and please let us know what you think!

      Reply
  14. hunt says

    December 9, 2016 at 11:19 am

    The recipe calls for 1 preserved lemon (which I made per your other recipe!)but my lemons are all different sizes! Is there an approximate tablespoon measure once diced? I plan to give this recipe along with a jar of lemons for Christmas gifts.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Hunt, I would just base it on the average size of grocery store lemons – the small to medium sized ones.

      Reply
  15. Arlene du Cann says

    October 20, 2016 at 11:34 pm

    Absolutely delicious. Now on my favourite recipe list. Making the preserved lemons a month ago was so easy. This is definitely on my “continue to do” list.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      October 20, 2016 at 11:57 pm

      That’s awesome, Arlene, I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thank you! My most recent batch of preserved lemons are now ready too and I’m making this dish again tomorrow :)

      Reply
  16. Laura says

    August 10, 2016 at 11:21 am

    Made this recipe last night (had made my preserved lemons a few months ago) and both my husband and I thought it was sublime! Luckily I quadrupled the recipe (had 8 chicken breasts to use!) which apart from the maths headache, meant that we still have leftovers after eating it again for lunch today. And we’re not sharing with anyone :). Thanks for the recipe! Looking forward to trying more of yours.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 10, 2016 at 4:32 pm

      That’s terrific, Laura, I’m so happy to hear that! And you quadrupled the recipe, that’s awesome! :) Thanks so much for your feedback and I look forward to hearing from you as you try more recipes. Best, Kimberly

      Reply
  17. Melanie Maclin says

    July 21, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    My friend from Morocco made this for me last night. She actually used thighs with skin on and then crisped the skin under a broiler quickly when it was finished. She also cooked potatoes in the same sauce, then seared them before serving. OMG it was all AMAZING. I’m trying this as soon as my preserved lemons are ready.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 22, 2016 at 10:25 am

      That sounds fantastic, Melanie, and I’m so glad you’ve got your preserved lemons going – Happy Cooking! :)

      Reply
      • Melanie Maclin says

        July 24, 2016 at 6:43 pm

        The results! It turned out amazing and I improvised and cooked potatoes (yukon gold) in the sauce. So good! http://bit.ly/29YGQEV

        Reply
        • Melanie Maclin says

          July 24, 2016 at 6:45 pm

          I also used thighs, bone-in like my friend did, and crisped the skin.

          Reply
          • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

            July 31, 2016 at 10:07 pm

            Good call, Melanie, dark meat always has the most flavor.

            Reply
        • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

          July 31, 2016 at 10:06 pm

          Awesome!!!! I’m super thrilled to hear that, Melanie, and thanks so much for sharing your delicious creation!

          Reply
  18. Rose | The Clean Dish says

    March 23, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    I visited Morocco many years ago and I LOVED the cuisine! Plus I grew up with many Moroccans in Germany so I’m familiar with their dishes — and this looks just perfect!! I’m not much of a meat eater these days but I know my hubs is going to adore this dish!

    Reply
  19. Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says

    March 22, 2016 at 7:39 pm

    Looks so flavorful and delish! I am loving all things lemon these days!!

    Reply
  20. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says

    March 22, 2016 at 7:33 pm

    Those lemons are beautiful! I’ve never made much Moroccan cuisine but now I’m wishing that I had. Better start now because this looks so good!

    Reply
  21. Renee - Kudos Kitchen says

    March 22, 2016 at 10:01 am

    This looks delicious and those preserved lemons are a must! Thanks for all the wonderful step-by-step photos!

    Reply
  22. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says

    March 21, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    Oh my gosh, the flavor just comes screaming through these photos – this looks amazing! I love preserved lemons.

    Reply
  23. Lauren Kelly Nutrition says

    March 21, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    This is a beautiful dish and I love all of the flavors in this!

    Reply
  24. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says

    March 21, 2016 at 11:57 am

    You have inspired me to want to cook Moroccan food now! This looks wonderful!

    Reply
  25. Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says

    March 21, 2016 at 11:47 am

    What a beautiful meal! I love the bright flavors going on…and I’ve been dying to try my hands at preserved lemons for a while now!

    Reply
  26. Valerie says

    July 1, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    Kimberly, I wish I had discovered your blog sooner! This recipe blew me away tonight, so much flavor and so many complementary flavors I would have never thought to put together. The preserved lemons are absolutely critical to it all coming together. I’d been patiently waiting for my lemons to preserve. Thanks for the information about how to make those too. My husband who typically avoids olives like the plague cleaned his plate. This is one of the best food blogs for my tastes out there.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 1, 2015 at 6:23 pm

      Valerie, you’ve made my day! :) I really appreciate your kind words and am thrilled that you found my site and enjoyed this recipe – thank you!

      Reply
  27. Lois Muzzy says

    April 1, 2015 at 11:52 am

    What are your recommended side dishes for this dish?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 1, 2015 at 11:59 am

      Hi Lois, couscous is typical. Additionally you can accompany it with grilled or buttered squash or any garden fresh vegetables and a leafy green salad some peppery arugula would be nice).

      Reply
  28. Anonymous says

    January 19, 2015 at 3:21 pm

    I have done it 4 times so far. I love it and everyone else loves it too!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      January 19, 2015 at 6:37 pm

      Fantastic! We really love this dish, too – thanks so much for the feedback!

      Reply
  29. Carolyn says

    April 16, 2014 at 10:17 am

    I heart this recipe so much. I keep meaning to try preserved lemons. I am sharing this on my FB page tomorrow!

    Reply
    • The Daring Gourmet says

      April 16, 2014 at 1:27 pm

      Carolyn, I really appreciate that! Preserved lemons are incredible and I’ve been experimenting with them a lot lately. I gave quite a few examples of how they can be utilized in my post on How To Make Preserved Lemons but the sky’s the limit in terms of culinary possibilities. Thanks so much for visiting and for the share! Best, Kimberly

      Reply

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kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

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