Lemon Chicken Stew with Artichokes and Capers

It’s Sunday night, and a new week is about to start. Although I feel like eating healthy food, I also want the cooking week to be easy, convenient and as effortless as possible, so that I can focus on some other extra activities for a change. Making a nice stew sounds like a rather reasonable option considering all of the above requirements! Besides, I have an amazing recipe on hand and it will for sure feed us well – and more than once during the week – so it’s perfect even before it’s up on the stove. I am making Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Capers. It can be served over rice or pasta, or just plain if you’re on a strict weight loss diet. In all cases, it’s a very healthy dish.

I used not to like artichoke that much. It felt to me like a dull vegetable, pretty insipid and uninteresting. I am not sure why but one day I’ve just changed my mind overnight and decided that I would give this veggie a chance to prove me wrong. Since then, I’ve been looking up for recipes and have found out how to use artichoke in a way that makes it more attractive. Although I now love its taste and unique texture, I admit that I also like the nutritional facts about the artichoke. It is low on cholesterol, a good source of fibers and vitamin C, as well as a good source of vitamin B3, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and copper.

INGREDIENTS

• Chicken Thighs (4 thighs and 4 drumsticks, or more)
• 6 to 8 thin slices of preserved lemon
• 1 tsp of ras-el-hanout
• 1/2 tsp of cumin
• 1/2 tsp of ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp of Cayenne pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp of cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp of black pepper
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1 minced onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 liter of chicken stock or broth
• a dash of lemon juice
• 1 can of artichoke hearts
• 2 small tbsp of capers

 

DIRECTIONS

1. On the day before, put the chicken thighs and drumsticks in a big salad bowl with coarse sea salt and 6 slices of preserved lemon. Pour water, cover with plastic film and reserve in the fridge overnight.
2. When cooking time comes, combine the spices in a small bowl.
3. Salt and pepper the chicken pieces.
4. In a pan, cook the chicken on high heat till golden brown, without adding oil and starting from the side with most skin on (about 4 to 5 minutes per side).
5. Put the chicken pieces into a cast-iron pot.
6. Reduce the heat under the pan, cook the minced onion and garlic.
7. Add 1/2 liter of chicken stock in the pan, lemon juice and the spices mix.
8. Scrape well the pan and add it all to the cast-iron pot.
9. Add 2 more lemon slices, add some water if necessary to cover the chicken totally (or almost) and cook for 2 hours under a lid.
10. About 45 minutes before the end, add the artichokes and capers.
11. Stop the heat and transfer all the solids to a serving dish – chicken, artichokes, lemon and capers.
12. Transfer the liquid into a saucepan. Add the cornstarch, bring to a boil and beat for a minute.
13. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and artichokes and serve immediately.

 

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Created and Written by Sophie Rebibo-Halimi, © 2016 All Rights Reserved.