Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There’s nothing I love more than a meal that transports me to another part of the world with just one bite. This Flavorful Moroccan Chicken recipe does exactly that. It’s a beautiful dish that marries tender chicken with a warm, aromatic blend of spices, creating a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile that is completely irresistible. Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means you get all the deep, complex flavors of Moroccan cuisine without a sink full of dishes.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of spices. The combination of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon creates a warm, earthy base, while the touch of sweetness from honey and the tangy brightness of lemon ties everything together. The chicken comes out incredibly juicy and tender, and the sauce is perfect for drizzling over couscous or rice. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner but is also impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s a great way to introduce new and exciting flavors to your dinner table without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
For the Sauce
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For Serving
- Cooked couscous or rice
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but chicken thighs would also be fantastic, as they stay incredibly juicy.
- Spices: The blend of spices is what gives this dish its Moroccan character. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat.
- Onion: A red onion would work well here too and add a little more color to the dish.
- Tomatoes: A can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes would add a great smoky flavor.
- Sweetness: You can use brown sugar in place of honey if you prefer. The honey adds a subtle floral note that is delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, whisk together the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sprinkle this spice mixture all over both sides of the chicken breasts, along with a generous amount of salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. They will not be cooked through at this point. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Onion: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spoon—this is where a lot of the flavor lives! Stir in the honey and fresh lemon juice.
- Simmer and Finish: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nesting them into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and a meat thermometer reads 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh cilantro. Serve the chicken immediately, spooning the flavorful sauce over the top, and serving with a side of couscous or rice.
Tips for Success
- Sear the Chicken: Searing the chicken first gives it a beautiful golden color and a fantastic flavor base. Don’t skip this step!
- Use a Dutch Oven: A large Dutch oven is perfect for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly and can go from stovetop to table.
- Taste the Sauce: Before you add the chicken back in, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add more honey for sweetness or lemon juice for tang.
- Don’t Overcook: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Be sure to cook them just until they are done to ensure a juicy result.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Flavorful Moroccan Chicken is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice. The sauce is perfect for soaking up! You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. For a full-on feast, consider pairing it with other savory meals like these Chicken Enchiladas or a simple but delicious Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This chicken dish stores beautifully. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. The chicken and sauce will stay moist and flavorful.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy hearty, flavorful, and savory meals, you might also like these other recipes:
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is my favorite bowl of Southern comfort
- These Easy Turkey Wings are my favorite comfort food for lazy Sundays
- A light, tangy chicken salad I actually crave (and there’s no mayo in sight)
Final Thoughts
This Flavorful Moroccan Chicken is a perfect example of how a simple recipe can deliver an incredibly rich and satisfying meal. The blend of spices and the one-pan cooking method make it a true winner for any occasion. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a new favorite in your home.
What are your go-to one-pan dinners? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are delicious.
Flavorful Moroccan Chicken: My Go-To One-Pan Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 4 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups chopped fresh cilantro
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne) and stir well to coat the onions.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in lemon juice and chopped cilantro before serving.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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