Mediterranean Herb Baked Chicken

The selection of spices used in this dish create an exotic aroma. I love the combination of olives, capers and tomatoes. It's one of my favorites. You could serve it with steamed couscous, but we prefer it with rice. Plan ahead as it needs to marinate.

• Ready In: 9 hrs
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  chopped fresh parsley
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh cilantro, plus
• 1  whole fresh cilantro stem, for garnish
• 4  cloves garlic, minced
• 1  teaspoon ground cumin
• 1  teaspoon turmeric
• 1  teaspoon paprika
• 3  lbs skinless chicken thighs, bone in or 3  lbs chicken pieces
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can  chopped plum tomatoes
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped green olives
• 1  tablespoon capers, rinsed
• 1  tablespoon  grated lemon, zest of
• 2  teaspoons fresh lemon juice
•  salt
•  cooked rice, to serve

Directions

1. Combine the parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, tumeric and paprika in a 9 byb 13 inch baking dish.
2. Stir to blend.
3. Add the chicken, turning to coat, and arrange in a single layer.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes and their juices, chicken broth, olives, capers, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt to taste.
5. Pour the mixture around the chicken pieces, taking care not to disturb the herb coating.
6. Cover the dish with foil, and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
7. Preheat oven to 400*F.
8. Bake the chicken, still covered with foil, for 40 minutes, remove the foil, and continue baking until the chicken juices run clear, about 20 minutes longer.
9. Spread the rice onto individual plates and top with the chicken and cooking juices, garnishing with sprigs of cilantro for serving.