14/08/2026
Golden Saffron Chicken Thighs with Lemon, Olives & Moroccan Spices
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
1 lemon, zested and juiced; remnants chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 chicken thighs, bone-in with skin
For the Dish:
3 cups chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 handful fresh parsley and cilantro, tied with cooking twine
1 lemon, sliced
6 oz pitted olives
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Place the garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped lemon remnants, cumin, ginger, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a large bowl. Stir well to create the marinade.
Add the chicken thighs and turn them thoroughly in the marinade until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking. Reserve the marinade.
Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Lightly dust the marinated chicken thighs with 4 tablespoons of flour, shaking off any excess.
Place the chicken skin-side down in the hot oil and sear for 4-5 minutes, until deeply golden. Turn and brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the same pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
Add the turmeric, cumin, ginger, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and spices. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook the flour.
Gradually pour in the chicken stock while whisking or stirring to create a smooth sauce.
Add the reserved marinade and the tied bundle of parsley and cilantro. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Add the sliced lemon and cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Add the pitted olives during the final 8-10 minutes of cooking, allowing them to warm through and infuse the sauce with their savory flavor.
Remove the herb bundle. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Serve the golden chicken thighs hot with plenty of the saffron-lemon sauce, olives, and onions spooned over the top.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 6 servings