Best 7 Marrakesh Chicken Couscous Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Marrakech with this tantalizing Marrakesh Chicken Couscous recipe. Inspired by the aromatic spices and traditional cooking techniques of Morocco, this dish promises an explosion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the heart of North Africa. Succulent chicken is marinated in a blend of fragrant spices, then slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender. Nestled atop a bed of fluffy couscous, each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.

Accompanying the main course are a trio of delectable recipes that elevate the dining experience. A refreshing Carrot and Orange Salad offers a burst of citrusy sweetness, while the Spicy Tomato Sauce adds a piquant kick to the couscous. And for those craving a sweet ending, the Orange Blossom Semolina Cake, infused with aromatic orange blossom water, provides a delightful conclusion to this Moroccan feast.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

MOROCCAN CHICKEN COUSCOUS



Moroccan Chicken Couscous image

This Moroccan Chicken Couscous is super flavorful and healthy loaded with exotic spices but still simple enough to make any night of the week.

Provided by Joanna Cismaru

Categories     Dinner     Lunch     Main Course

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 tablespoon Moroccan spice blend (recipe below)
4 chicken breasts ( about 1 1/2 lbs, boneless and skinless)
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion (chopped)
5 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup golden raisins
14 ounce chickpeas ((1 can) drained and washed)
14 ounce fire roasted tomatoes ((1 can))
3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup pearl couscous (dry)
4 cups kale (rinsed and roughly chopped)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cardamom

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.
  • Combine all the Moroccan spice blend ingredients together. The recipe should yields about 8 to 9 tsp or about 3 tbsp.
  • Season the chicken breasts with 2 tbsp of the Moroccan spice blend thoroughly. Use more as preferred.
  • In a large Dutch Oven or a oven safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. The chicken will not be cooked through at all, it will just be crispy on the outside. Transfer the chicken from the pot to a plate and set aside.
  • Add the onion and garlic to the pot and saute for about 3 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent and garlic is aromatic. add the remaining 1 tbsp of the Moroccan spice blend and stir.
  • Add the golden raisins, chickpeas, fire roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, couscous and stir well. Gently stir in the kale. Bring to a boil, then add the chicken breasts back.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and place in the oven. If your pot doesn't have a lid, cover with aluminum foil. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 419 kcal, Carbohydrate 47 g, Protein 38 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 73 mg, Sodium 478 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 9 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MARRAKESH CHICKEN & COUSCOUS



Marrakesh Chicken & Couscous image

I love transforming boxed grains into dishes like this couscous worthy of Morocco. All it took was a little chicken, artichoke hearts and extra spice. -Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-1/4-inch pieces
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 package (5.8 ounces) roasted garlic and olive oil couscous
Chopped smoked almonds, optional

Steps:

  • In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on both sides. Stir in tomatoes, artichoke hearts, lemon juice, preserves, salt, spices and seasoning packet from couscous; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop and for chicken to cook through., Stir in couscous; remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326 calories, Fat 14g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 751mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MOROCCAN CHICKEN AND COUSCOUS



Moroccan Chicken and Couscous image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 carrots, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup couscous
1 15-ounce can no-salt-added chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots or prunes
Grated zest of 1/2 lemon, plus juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Combine the carrots and 1 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until crisp-tender, about 7 minutes; cover and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned and just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon. Add the onion to the skillet and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Stir in the cumin and cinnamon; remove from the heat.
  • Add the couscous, chickpeas, apricots and lemon zest to the skillet. Add the carrots and the hot cooking water (return to a simmer if the liquid has cooled); stir to combine. Add the chicken and any collected juices. Cover and let stand until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender, about 5 minutes; fluff with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice and cilantro. Season with salt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 531 calorie, Fat 11 grams, SaturatedFat 1 grams, Cholesterol 82 milligrams, Sodium 267 milligrams, Carbohydrate 66 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 45 grams

MOROCCAN COUSCOUS



Moroccan Couscous image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 cup chopped shallots
3 cups Homemade Chicken Stock, recipe follows, or canned broth
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups couscous
1/2 cup pignoli nuts, toasted
1/4 cup currants
3 (5-pound) chickens
3 large onions, unpeeled and quartered
6 carrots, unpeeled and halved
4 celery stalks with leaves, cut in thirds
4 parsnips, unpeeled and cut in 1/2, optional
20 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
15 sprigs fresh thyme
20 sprigs fresh dill
1 head garlic, unpeeled and cut in 1/2 crosswise
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a large saute pan, add the shallots and cook for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add the chicken stock, salt and pepper, raise the heat to high and bring the stock to a boil. Off the heat and add the couscous. Cover the pan and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  • Add the pignoli nuts and currants to the couscous, stir and serve.
  • Place the chickens, onions, carrots, celery, parsnips, parsley, thyme, dill, garlic, salt, and peppercorns in a 16 to 20-quart stockpot with 7 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Skim the surface as needed. Simmer uncovered for 4 hours. Strain the entire contents of the pot through a colander, discarding the chicken and vegetables, and chill. Discard the hardened fat, and then pack the broth in quart containers.

MOROCCAN CHICKEN COUSCOUS



Moroccan Chicken Couscous image

This one-pot recipe features turmeric, which is related to ginger and gives the dish and other curries their distinctive yellow color. It's a hearty meal with an exotic fragrance to consider for your next dinner party.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Thighs

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)
3 carrots, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
3 onions, thinly sliced
1 can whole tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces)
1 can chickpeas (15 1/2 ounces), drained and rinsed
1 3/4 cups chicken stock, or reduced-sodium canned broth
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper
2 zucchini (about 1 pound), halved crosswise and quartered lengthwise
Best Couscous

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, combine chicken, carrots, onions, tomatoes, chickpeas, stock, water, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Add zucchini, and cook until chicken is cooked through, yet still tender, about 15 minutes more.
  • Serve couscous in bowls. Spoon chicken, vegetables, and broth on top.

SKILLET CHICKEN AND PEARL COUSCOUS WITH MOROCCAN SPICES



Skillet Chicken and Pearl Couscous With Moroccan Spices image

This one-pan meal, which is inspired by the tagines of North Africa, is prepared in a deep skillet or Dutch oven instead of the traditional clay pot. Briefly marinate bone-in chicken thighs in lime juice, garlic, cumin and olive oil, then brown and set aside. (If you're short on time, skip the marinade; simply add the ground cumin when you're toasting the other spices in the chicken fat.) Stir in harissa, cinnamon and turmeric, toast until fragrant, then add quick-cooking pearl couscous and the chicken, so everything finishes cooking together. Top the finished dish with a fistful of roughly chopped tender herbs and lime zest for a jolt of brightness.

Provided by Colu Henry

Categories     dinner, one pot, poultry, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
1 teaspoon fresh lime zest plus 1/4 cup juice (from 2 limes)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil
1 large leek, trimmed, rinsed of grit then thinly sliced into rings (about 1 1/2 cups), or 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon harissa paste, tomato paste or chile-garlic sauce
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups pearl couscous or orzo
1 1/2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
1/2 cup roughly chopped mixed tender herbs such as parsley, cilantro and mint (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, lime juice, olive oil, garlic and cumin. Season well with salt and pepper and stir together until the chicken is well coated in the marinade; set aside at room temperature for 25 to 30 minutes.
  • In a deep, 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven with a lid, heat the grapeseed or canola oil over medium-high. When it shimmers, lift the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip back into the bowl, then add the chicken to the skillet, skin-side down. Working in batches, if necessary, to avoid crowding the pan, cook until the chicken is well browned on both sides, about 6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a plate.
  • Reduce heat to medium, add the leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping up any brown bits that have formed on the bottom of the pan. Stir in the harissa paste, turmeric and cinnamon, and cook until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Season well with salt.
  • Add the couscous to the pan and stir until well coated in the spiced leek oil. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and add the chicken back to the pan, skin-side up, along with any accumulated juices. Cover and simmer until the couscous is al dente and the chicken is cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. If you're lucky, some of the couscous may slightly stick to the bottom of the pan, creating well-seasoned crispy bites.
  • Remove from the heat and remove the lid. Scatter with the herbs, if using, and the lime zest, then serve from the pan.

MOROCCAN CHICKEN AND WHOLE GRAIN COUSCOUS



Moroccan Chicken and Whole Grain Couscous image

A flavorful chicken stew that uses exotic spices and nice vegetables served over whole-grain couscous. This recipe was actually a real chicken contest winner! Vegetables and even meat can vary according to taste, but I find squash, carrots, bell peppers, and lamb work well in this recipe. Even though the spices seem strange, the flavors are subtle but fragrant! A real favorite at home.

Provided by Myleen Sagrado Sjödin

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     African     North African     Moroccan

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup whole wheat couscous
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
5 whole cloves, crushed
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground dried turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - chopped
1 (16 ounce) can garbanzo beans
1 (16 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (48 fluid ounce) can chicken broth
2 carrots, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Prepare the couscous according to package directions.
  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, and cook onion until tender. Mix in bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Place chicken in the pot, and cook until well browned. Pour garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and broth into the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 25 minutes.
  • Mix carrots and zucchini into pot. Season with salt. Continue cooking 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Serve stew over cooked couscous.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 399.4 calories, Carbohydrate 50.7 g, Cholesterol 66.8 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 7.8 g, Protein 33.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 1539 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe vegetables.
  • If you don't have harissa, you can use another spicy condiment, such as cayenne pepper or chili powder.
  • If you don't have a tagine, you can cook the chicken and vegetables in a Dutch oven or large pot.
  • Serve the chicken and vegetables over couscous, rice, or quinoa.
  • Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley.

Conclusion:

This Marrakesh Chicken Couscous recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken is tender and flavorful, the vegetables are perfectly cooked, and the couscous is light and fluffy. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. Serve it with a side of yogurt or harissa sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Related Topics