Best 2 Authentic Moroccan Chicken Recipes

Tantalize your taste buds with an authentic culinary journey to Morocco, where flavors dance on your tongue like a vibrant symphony. Embark on a delightful adventure as we present two delectable recipes that capture the essence of this North African gem. Dive into the depths of Moroccan Chicken Tagine, a classic dish that exudes warmth and comfort with its tender chicken nestled in a flavorful broth, infused with an aromatic blend of spices and the vibrant notes of preserved lemons. This traditional masterpiece is sure to leave you spellbound. Alternatively, embark on a refreshing escapade with the vibrant Moroccan Chicken Salad, a symphony of flavors and textures that celebrate the bounty of fresh ingredients. With succulent chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad promises to tantalize your palate and leave you feeling invigorated. Both recipes are carefully crafted to transport you to the bustling medinas of Morocco, offering a taste of its rich culinary heritage. So, prepare to be captivated as we unveil the secrets behind these authentic Moroccan delights.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MOROCCAN CHICKEN

Moroccan Chicken image

Spices, spices, spices! This recipe is thick with 'em, and your taste buds will be thick with pleasure from Moroccan Chicken. This exotic tasting dish is a definite crowd pleaser!

Provided by Sarah and Annette

Categories World Cuisine Recipes African North African Moroccan

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - cubed
2 teaspoons salt
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
½ teaspoon paprika
¾ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained
1 zucchini, sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

Season chicken with salt and brown in a large saucepan over medium heat until almost cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Saute onion, garlic, carrots and celery in same pan. When tender, stir in ginger, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper and turmeric; stir fry for about 1 minute, then mix in broth and tomatoes. Return chicken to pan, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add chickpeas and zucchini to pan and bring to simmering once again; cover pan and cook for about 15 minutes, or until zucchini is cooked through and tender. Stir in lemon juice and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 286.4 calories, Carbohydrate 27.9 g, Cholesterol 66.8 mg, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 36 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 2127.8 mg, Sugar 4.6 g

TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN CHICKEN

Traditional Moroccan Chicken image

I have tried several recipes for chicken with lemon & olives but it never did taste the same as I had while in Morocco. When visiting my Moroccan sister-in-law this week she showed me how it is traditionally made. Many times it is served with fried potatoes on top. (Peel & cut the potatoes into french fry length then fry until golden brown.) Smen is rancid butter similar to ghee but with spices added. It can be purchased online or at a Middle Eastern store. Prep time does not include marinating time.

Provided by FDADELKARIM

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 24

Ingredients

1 whole chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon smen, softened
2 large garlic cloves, peeled & grated
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 -3 onions, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon powdered saffron
1/2 teaspoon smen
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 preserved lemon, rinsed (rind only, sliced)
1/2 cup green olives, cracked & pitted
1/2 preserved lemon, fleshly insides (remove seeds)
1/2 teaspoon smen
1 teaspoon butter
1 pinch saffron

Steps:

Poke small holes in the chicken with a skewer. Mix the ingredients for the marinade then coat the meat & skin of the chicken with the marinade. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
Remove the flesh from the preserved lemon to be used in the browning mixture.
Place the chicken in a large pressure cooker. Then add all the ingredients for the sauce to the cooker along with enough water to reach halfway up the chicken. Seal with the lid & cook for 20 minutes (after it begins to hiss). Poke with a fork to make sure that the chicken is done & no blood leaks out.
Mix the ingredients for the browning mixture in a small bowl. Once the chicken is done cooking remove it & place on a baking pan. Coat both sides of the chicken with the browning mixture then cook in the oven on 350 degrees until golden brown.
Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, around 10 minutes. If you want your sauce to be more brown in color add 1/4-1/2 tsp of sugar to the pot while simmering.
Place the chicken in the center of a large serving dish. Pour the sauce & fried potatoes (if using) over the chicken. Serve hot with thick bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 908.4, Fat 70.3, SaturatedFat 17.8, Cholesterol 246.3, Sodium 935.4, Carbohydrate 8.4, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 2.5, Protein 58.3

Tips:

Use a flavorful spice blend. The key to authentic Moroccan chicken is the spice blend, or ras el hanout. This blend typically includes cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You can buy pre-made ras el hanout or make your own.
Marinate the chicken. Marinating the chicken in the spice blend and olive oil helps to infuse it with flavor. You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Cook the chicken over low heat. This helps to prevent the chicken from drying out. You can cook the chicken in a tagine, a slow cooker, or in the oven.
Serve the chicken with traditional Moroccan sides. Some popular sides include couscous, rice, or pita bread. You can also serve the chicken with a side of vegetables, such as roasted carrots or zucchini.

Conclusion:

Authentic Moroccan chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make. By following these tips, you can create a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe, give Moroccan chicken a try!