Description
This Moroccan Spiced Chicken recipe is bursting with bold flavors from cumin, paprika, cinnamon, garlic, and lemon for a juicy, tender, and exotic dish.
Ingredients
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, sliced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken pieces and coat well with the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Add sliced onions and pour in the chicken broth or water.
Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Uncover for the last 5 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly if needed.
Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
You can substitute bone-in chicken with boneless chicken breast or thighs, just reduce cooking time.
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.
Pairs beautifully with couscous, jasmine rice, or flatbreads.
Add a swirl of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to marinate)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Moroccan Spiced Chicken, Moroccan chicken recipe, spiced chicken thighs, North African chicken dish