One-pan meal with minimal cleanup

Ready in 25 minutes, start to finish

Bold Moroccan-style flavors using pantry spices

Naturally dairy-free

Versatile — works with chicken, shrimp, or tofu

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken
Place the sliced chicken in a bowl. Add paprika, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Toss until the chicken is evenly coated on all sides.

Tip: Thin strips cook faster and absorb more flavor.

Step 2: Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes, flipping once, until lightly golden on the edges.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if needed for proper browning.

Step 3: Add the aromatics
Lower heat slightly to medium.
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet.
Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Create the lemon olive sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice.
Add the green olives and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this adds flavor to the sauce.

Step 5: Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5–6 minutes, until the sauce reduces slightly and becomes glossy.

Step 6: Finish & serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Add extra lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.

Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with:
Couscous or basmati rice
Warm naan or flatbread
Roasted vegetables
Simple cucumber or tomato salad

Tips for Best Results
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt — olives vary in saltiness.

If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a splash of broth.

For extra depth, add preserved lemon (finely chopped) if available.

Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth.

Flavor tip: This dish tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen.

Variations to Try
Swap chicken for shrimp (add shrimp during the last 3–4 minutes)

Use turkey strips or tofu for a lighter option

Add chickpeas or spinach for extra texture

Increase cumin for a deeper, earthier flavor