If you’re craving something bold and aromatic, this Moroccan Chicken with Couscous is the perfect dish for you. Packed with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and paprika, this dish offers a taste of Morocco in your kitchen. The tender chicken is paired with fluffy couscous, dried fruits, and a blend of vegetables for a delicious, well-balanced meal.
Ready to embark on a flavorful journey? Let’s get started!
Moroccan Chicken with Couscous
Savor the bold flavors of Moroccan Chicken with Couscous! Tender, spiced chicken served with fluffy couscous, dried fruits, and aromatic spices—a perfect, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
For the Moroccan Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup dried apricots or raisins chopped (optional for a sweet touch)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
For the Couscous
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pine nuts optional, for crunch
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins optional
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Substitutions
- Vegan: Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken and vegetable broth for the couscous.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute couscous with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice in place of couscous.
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, ginger, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Rub this spice blend all over the chicken thighs.
- Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to develop.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the dried apricots or raisins, if using, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Simmer the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat.
Prepare the Couscous
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of chicken broth (or water) to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the couscous and 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter.
- Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the toasted almonds or pine nuts and dried cranberries or raisins, if using.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
- Serve the Moroccan Chicken over a bed of couscous.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 portion of chicken with couscous):
- Calories: 450-500
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- Adjust the sweetness by adding or omitting dried fruits like apricots or raisins, depending on your preference.
- To add more vegetables to the dish, try roasting carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers alongside the chicken.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, squeeze extra lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
Variations:
- Moroccan Lamb with Couscous: Substitute the chicken with lamb for a heartier dish, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Moroccan Bowl: Use roasted chickpeas or tofu as the protein, and add more vegetables like roasted carrots, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Spicy Moroccan Chicken: Add extra cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the spice blend for a spicier kick.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: Pair this Moroccan Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a cucumber and yogurt salad for a refreshing contrast. For an extra flavor boost, drizzle the dish with a little honey or pomegranate molasses.
- Make It Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the couscous in advance. Simply reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover chicken and couscous in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—MoroccanChicken with Couscous that’s full of bold flavors, tender chicken, and a perfect balance of spices! This dish brings the rich, aromatic spices of Morocco straight to your table, making it a delightful and hearty meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, get that couscous fluffing, and enjoy this savory Moroccan-inspired feast. B’SaHa!
