Zesty Moroccan Chicken Recipe: A Spice-Filled Adventure

Moroccan spices dance brilliantly through this tender chicken recipe that promises an adventure for your taste buds.

Warm aromas of cumin and coriander weave magical notes across your kitchen.

Fragrant herbs mingle with robust ingredients, creating a sensational meal that transports you instantly to north african markets.

Rich marinades infuse each bite with complex layers of flavor and depth.

Colorful vegetables complement the succulent meat, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Cooking becomes an intimate journey of culinary exploration when you embrace these traditional techniques.

Every forkful tells a story of culture and passion that will make your next meal unforgettable.

Why Delia Smith Moroccan Chicken Is Full Of Flavor

• Burst with Exotic Flavors: Dive into a culinary journey with vibrant Moroccan spices that transform ordinary chicken into a taste explosion, blending sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
• Master a Global Cuisine Easily: This recipe introduces home cooks to authentic Moroccan cooking techniques without requiring professional chef skills, making international cuisine accessible and fun.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Meals: Packed with colorful ingredients like olives, raisins, and apricots, this dish delights both family dinners and gatherings, offering a memorable and impressive meal that sparks conversation.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method that lets ingredients meld together beautifully, creating rich layers of flavor while saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle.

What You Need For Delia Smith Moroccan Chicken

• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that forms the core of this Moroccan dish.

• Salt, Cumin, Paprika, Cinnamon, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that create a warm, complex flavor profile for the chicken.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that add depth and richness to the dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a bright, citrusy note.
• Lemon: Adds a tangy brightness and helps tenderize the meat.

• Olives, Raisins, Apricots: Sweet and briny ingredients that bring a traditional Moroccan sweet-savory balance.
• Almonds: Crunchy topping that adds texture and nutty flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning and creating a rich cooking base.
• Tomato Paste: Provides depth and helps create a thick, flavorful sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall sauce consistency.

• Couscous: Traditional grain accompaniment that complements the Moroccan chicken.

Steps To Make Delia Smith Moroccan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine a medley of warm spices like paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant seasoning that will infuse the chicken with rich Moroccan flavors.

Step 2: Massage Chicken with Spices

Generously coat the chicken pieces with the spice mixture, ensuring every surface is covered. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 45 minutes, or for deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces and brown for 5 minutes on each side, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Cook the ingredients together, covered, for 3 minutes to develop a rich aromatic foundation.

Step 5: Introduce Vibrant Mediterranean Ingredients

• Fresh lemon juice
• Briny olives
• Sweet raisins
• Chopped dried apricots

These ingredients will create a complex, sweet-and-tangy flavor profile.

Step 6: Create Luxurious Sauce

Whisk together tomato paste and chicken broth. Pour the mixture into the pan, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.

Step 7: Slow Simmer for Tender Results

Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, then cover and cook on medium-low heat for 30-45 minutes. The chicken will become incredibly tender and absorb all the incredible flavors.

Step 8: Serve with Elegant Finishing Touches

• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Toasted sliced almonds

Serve hot over fluffy couscous, creating a stunning Moroccan-inspired meal that transports diners to North Africa.

Tips That Help With Delia Smith Moroccan Chicken

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken rest with spices for at least 45 minutes or overnight to deeply infuse flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Perfect Browning Technique: Ensure high heat when searing chicken to create a golden-brown crust that locks in juicy tenderness and adds rich flavor.
• Balanced Sweetness Hack: Combine raisins and apricots carefully to create a perfect sweet-savory balance without overwhelming the dish's complexity.
• Gentle Simmer Secret: Cook on medium-low heat during the final stage to keep chicken tender and allow spices to meld beautifully without drying out the meat.
• Texture Boost Tip: Toast almonds lightly before garnishing to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the final presentation.

Tasty Ideas For Delia Smith Moroccan Chicken

• Vegetarian Tagine: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using same spice blend and cooking method for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure broth is gluten-free and serve over quinoa instead of traditional couscous for celiac-friendly meal.
• Spicy Moroccan Fusion: Add harissa paste or cayenne pepper to increase heat and intensity of the original recipe's flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use reduced-sodium broth, skip added salt, and replace some salt with additional herbs and spices for deeper taste complexity.

Best Pairings For Delia Smith Moroccan Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Moroccan White Wine: Select a light, zesty Moroccan Guerrouane white wine that complements the dish's complex spices and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Complement with Herbed Couscous Side: Create a fresh couscous salad with mint, parsley, and lemon zest to enhance the bright, citrusy notes of the chicken and provide a complementary texture.
• Match with Spiced Mint Tea: Brew traditional Moroccan mint tea with green tea and fresh mint leaves to balance the savory and sweet elements of the chicken, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

How To Store Delia Smith Moroccan Chicken The Right Way

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce and meat together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Pack chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing taste quality.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or water to prevent sticking.

FAQ Guide For Delia Smith Moroccan Chicken

• What makes the spice rub special in this recipe?

The spice rub combines traditional Moroccan flavors like cumin, coriander, and paprika, creating a deep, aromatic coating that infuses the chicken with complex, warm spices.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with lamb or turkey, which will absorb the Moroccan spices similarly and provide a rich, flavorful dish.

• Why are dried fruits like raisins and apricots added to the recipe?

The dried fruits add a sweet contrast to the savory spices, creating a classic Moroccan sweet-and-savory flavor profile that balances the dish’s overall taste.

Moroccan Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 93-103 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Moroccan chicken sings with aromatic spices, weaving together a tapestry of complex flavors from North African culinary traditions. Tender meat marinated in a blend of warm spices promises a delightful journey for passionate cooks and adventurous eaters who crave authentic international cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 3.5 pounds bone-in chicken pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1.5 tablespoons ras el hanout
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.5 to 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Kosher salt

Complementary Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 grams (1 ounce) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced or 1 preserved lemon
• 0.75 cup pitted green olives
• 0.25 cup raisins
• 0.25 cup chopped dried apricots
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Optional: toasted slivered almonds

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Instructions

1. Combine aromatic spices in a compact mixing vessel, creating a robust seasoning blend for the poultry.
2. Generously coat chicken with salt and thoroughly massage the spice mixture into the meat, allowing flavors to penetrate for 45 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper infusion.
3. Heat robust cooking oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan until shimmering, then meticulously brown chicken pieces for approximately 5 minutes on each side, developing a rich golden exterior.
4. Reduce flame intensity and introduce finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh cilantro, sautéing gently under a covered lid for 3 minutes to release their fragrant essences.
5. Incorporate vibrant citrus segments, briny olives, sweet raisins, and tender dried apricots into the developing sauce, creating a complex flavor profile.
6. Whisk tomato paste with savory broth until smooth, then cascade the liquid mixture into the pan, integrating all ingredients harmoniously.
7. Allow the dish to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, then seal with a lid and continue cooking at medium-low temperature for 30-45 minutes until chicken becomes exceptionally tender and sauce thickens.
8. Finish by scattering fresh cilantro and toasted almonds over the dish, serving piping hot atop fluffy couscous to capture the essence of Moroccan cuisine.

Notes

• Spice Rub Mastery: Let the spices sit and marinate with the chicken for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Marinating Magic: For deeper flavor penetration, refrigerate the seasoned chicken overnight, allowing spices to fully infuse into the meat.
• Olive and Fruit Balance: The combination of olives, raisins, and apricots creates a sweet-savory profile typical of Moroccan cuisine, offering complex taste layers.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional couscous for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish’s authentic character.

• Prep Time: 50 mins
• Cook Time: 43-53 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg