Moroccan Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe – North African Special

Moroccan Lemon Garlic Chicken is a vibrant and aromatic dish made with tender chicken cooked in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce infused with warm Moroccan spices. Simple yet deeply flavorful, this recipe is perfect for a comforting homemade meal that feels special without being complicated.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time30 min
- Total Time40 min
- Course
- CUISINE
- North African
Moroccan Lemon Garlic Chicken Ingredients
- 700 g chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup chicken stock or water
- Fresh coriander or parsley, for garnish
Moroccan Lemon Garlic Chicken Instructions
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and turmeric.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until lightly golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add lemon zest and lemon juice.
Simmer
Return chicken to the pan. Pour in chicken stock, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
Finish & Serve
Uncover and simmer for 3–5 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce. Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley. Serve hot.
Recipe Notes :
Bone-in chicken gives deeper flavor, but boneless works too.
Adjust lemon quantity based on how tangy you like it.
Serve with couscous, rice, or flatbread.
