Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of North African cuisine with this Moroccan Spiced Chicken. This dish features tender chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of warm spices, creating a delightful and exotic meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Exotic Flavors: A harmonious blend of spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric infuses the chicken with authentic Moroccan taste.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward preparation and a short cooking time, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Pairs well with various sides such as couscous, rice, or roasted vegetables, allowing for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Add Lemon and Broth: Pour lemon juice and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze and incorporate the browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the chicken simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot alongside your choice of side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute chicken breasts with thighs, drumsticks, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to enhance the nutritional value and add color.
- Spice Adjustments: Modify the spice levels to suit your taste preferences, adding more paprika for heat or cinnamon for sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken pieces can be used; however, adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.
What sides pair well with Moroccan Spiced Chicken?
Couscous, basmati rice, or roasted vegetables complement the flavors of this dish beautifully.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish is mildly spiced, focusing on aromatic flavors rather than heat. Adjust the paprika or add chili flakes if you prefer more spice.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, the flavors deepen over time, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, as it uses olive oil and chicken broth.
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Marinate the chicken with the spice blend and a bit of olive oil before grilling.
What can I use instead of cilantro for garnish?
Fresh parsley or mint leaves are great alternatives for garnish.
How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
Can I add dried fruits or nuts to this dish?
Yes, adding raisins, apricots, or slivered almonds can provide a traditional Moroccan touch.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan ensures even cooking and heat retention.
Conclusion
Embark on a culinary adventure with this Moroccan Spiced Chicken, a dish that brings the vibrant and aromatic flavors of North Africa to your kitchen. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a delightful addition to any meal rotation. Enjoy the rich spices
Print
Moroccan Spiced Chicken: A Flavorful Journey to North Africa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan, North African
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Moroccan Spiced Chicken is a fragrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with warm spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. With a quick cooking time and easy preparation, this North African-inspired meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with couscous, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Add Lemon & Broth: Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the chicken simmer for 5 minutes to enhance the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with couscous, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for bone-in thighs for extra juiciness.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Make it Spicier: Add chili flakes or extra paprika for heat.
- Traditional Touch: Stir in raisins, dried apricots, or slivered almonds for an authentic Moroccan flavor.
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