**Ingredients:**
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– ½ tsp ground cinnamon
– ½ tsp turmeric
– ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 tsp salt
– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 cup chicken stock
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 preserved lemon, chopped
– ½ cup green olives
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Spice Rub:**
– In a small bowl, mix the paprika, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken thighs.
2. **Brown the Chicken:**
– Heat the olive oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside.
3. **Cook the Vegetables:**
– In the same pan, sauté the chopped onions for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Add the Liquids and Chicken:**
– Stir in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Add diced tomatoes and the cinnamon stick. Return the browned chicken thighs back into the pan.
5. **Simmer:**
– Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. **Add Finishing Touches:**
– Stir in the chopped preserved lemon, green olives, fresh cilantro, and parsley. Let it simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. **Season and Serve:**
– Discard the cinnamon stick and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with couscous or rice and garnish with extra fresh herbs.
**Cooking Tips:**
– For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate with the spice rub for 30 minutes or longer.
– Simmering on low heat ensures that the chicken stays moist and tender.
– If preserved lemons are unavailable, lemon zest can be used as a substitute.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes | **Cooking Time:** 45 minutes | **Total Time:** 1 hour | **Servings:** 4
