Description
Spicy Moroccan Chicken brings Mediterranean warmth to kitchen tables with complex layers of aromatic spices. Fragrant herbs and tender chicken create a delightful culinary journey you can savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
Spices:
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 preserved lemon, chopped
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Create a vibrant spice blend by combining paprika, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, and salt. Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces with this aromatic mixture.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
- Sauté onions in the same pot until translucent and softened. Introduce minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute to release their intense flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to deglaze and lift the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add diced tomatoes and a whole cinnamon stick, then return the seasoned chicken to the pot.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the rich, spicy sauce.
- Incorporate fresh lemon juice, briny olives, and chopped herbs. Continue simmering uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick before serving.
Notes
- Spice Blend Mastery Adjust the cayenne pepper to control heat intensity, creating a personalized spice profile that suits your taste preferences.
- Chicken Browning Technique Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.
- Low-Sodium Adaptation Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt for a heart-friendly version without compromising the rich Moroccan taste.
- Dietary Flexibility Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative that maintains the authentic spice blend and cooking method.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg