Best 7 Moroccan Chicken And Barley Pilaf Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Morocco with this traditional dish, where succulent chicken and fluffy barley harmoniously blend in a symphony of flavors. This Moroccan chicken and barley pilaf, known as "Djej Bel Kri3a," is a delightful one-pot meal that seamlessly integrates the essence of Moroccan cuisine. Its aromatic broth, infused with the richness of chicken and the nutty essence of barley, creates a tantalizing base for an array of vegetables, each adding a distinct layer of texture and flavor. From the vibrant carrots and tender green beans to the sweet red bell peppers and plump raisins, every ingredient contributes to a symphony of tastes and colors. The addition of aromatic spices like cumin, ginger, and turmeric lends a captivating warmth, while the subtle hint of saffron adds a touch of elegance. As you savor each bite, the harmonious blend of savory and sweet elements will leave you craving for more.

In this article, you'll find not only the classic Moroccan chicken and barley pilaf recipe but also variations that cater to different dietary preferences and culinary inclinations. For those seeking a vegetarian delight, the "Moroccan Barley Pilaf with Vegetables" offers a vibrant and flavorful option, while the "Moroccan Chicken and Barley Pilaf with Dried Fruits" caters to those with a sweet tooth. Additionally, the "Moroccan Chicken and Barley Pilaf with Almonds" adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish, making it a textural masterpiece. Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can recreate these delectable dishes with ease. So, prepare to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a culinary adventure with this versatile and flavorful Moroccan chicken and barley pilaf.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

MOROCCAN CHICKEN AND BARLEY + VIDEO



Moroccan Chicken and Barley + Video image

Chicken and barley is a hearty, healthy meal with Moroccan flair! Make this North African recipe for spice-rubbed chicken in just one pan!

Provided by Kevin

Categories     main dishes

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp sesame seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ tsp dried mint flakes
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne powder
2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
4 tbsp olive oil (divided)
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 tbsp soy sauce
3 cups chicken broth
1¼ cups barley uncooked ((See Note 1))
14 oz diced tomatoes (drained)
6 green onions (chopped )

Steps:

  • Combine the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl and rub the chicken thighs on both sides with half of the spice mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 594 kcal, Carbohydrate 37 g, Protein 32 g, Fat 36 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Cholesterol 148 mg, Sodium 938 mg, Fiber 9 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

BARLEY PILAF



Barley Pilaf image

Barley can be found in two forms-hulled and pearled. Pearling removes almost a third of the grain, making it quicker cooking and reducing some nutrients. Hulled barley takes longer to cook but has a higher nutrient content and a pleasant, toothsome chewiness. This pilaf recipe is a simple way to enjoy hulled barley.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup hulled barley
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Kosher salt
1/2 cup small pieces of broken spaghetti (about 2 ounces)
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the barley and stir until the grains are just coated in butter. Add the broth and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and simmer 20 minutes. Uncover and quickly stir in the spaghetti; cover and continue to simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed and the barley and spaghetti are tender, stirring once more, about 15 minutes more. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 calorie, Fat 5 grams, SaturatedFat 2.5 grams, Cholesterol 10 milligrams, Sodium 290 milligrams, Carbohydrate 43 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 10 grams, Sugar 2 grams

HERB-BASTED CHICKEN WITH PEARL BARLEY, BACON, AND ROOT VEGETABLE PILAF



Herb-Basted Chicken with Pearl Barley, Bacon, and Root Vegetable Pilaf image

Categories     Chicken     Pork     Rice     Vegetable     Roast     Sauté     Quick & Easy     Lemon     Rosemary     Bacon     Carrot     Turnip     Butternut Squash     Winter     Rutabaga     Shallot     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Pilaf
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed, drained
6 ounces bacon, diced
1 shallot, minced
1 1/4 cups 1/4- to 1/3-inch cubes peeled root vegetables (such as celery root, carrot, turnip, rutabaga, and/or butternut squash)
Pinch of sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
Chicken
6 tablespoons canola oil
4 large chicken breast halves with skin and bones
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

Steps:

  • For pilaf:
  • Bring 2 cups water and salt to boil in medium saucepan. Mix in barley. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until barley is tender, about 30 minutes. Drain barley.
  • Sauté bacon in large pot over medium heat until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons drippings from pot. Add shallot; stir 30 seconds. Add cubed vegetables and sugar; sauté 6 minutes. Add barley, lemon juice, and herbs; stir 2 minutes. Mix in bacon; season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Cover and place in oven to rewarm while chicken roasts, adding water by tablespoonfuls to moisten if dry.)
  • For chicken:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken, skin side down, in skillet. Cook until skin browns, about 7 minutes. Add butter and herbs to skillet; stir to blend. Turn chicken skin side up. Place skillet in oven; roast chicken until cooked through, basting occasionally with herb butter, about 20 minutes.
  • Divide pilaf among 4 plates; top with chicken. Spoon pan juices over.

CHICKEN AND BARLEY BAKE



Chicken and Barley Bake image

Make and share this Chicken and Barley Bake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Chicken

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup water
1 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup uncooked pearl barley
1 1/2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 -1 1/4 lb skinless chicken thigh
salt
black pepper

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the first 8 ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil; lower heat, cover, and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Transfer hot barley mixture to an ungreased 2-quart baking dish.
  • Place the chicken on top of barley mixture.
  • Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Bake, covered, in a preheated 350° oven for 30-35 minutes or until barley is tender and chicken is no longer pink.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 255.5, Fat 4.9, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 94.3, Sodium 552.6, Carbohydrate 26.6, Fiber 5.3, Sugar 3.1, Protein 25.8

MOROCCAN CHICKEN PILAF



Moroccan Chicken Pilaf image

North African flavored rice cooked with chicken. From The Essential Rice Cookbook. You will need a casserole dish that can be used on the stove top as well as in the oven. A dutch oven works perfectly. A large, deep cast iron or cast aluminum skillet would also work provided it is entirely metal (no plastic handles) and you have a lid (again, no plastic). If you do not have stove-top safe casserole dish, you may use a frying pan for steps 3-6. In step 6, omit the chicken. In step 7, transfer to a large kettle. In step 8, transfer to a regular casserole dish, place the chicken on top of the rice, then proceed as directed.

Provided by Da Huz

Categories     Chicken Thigh & Leg

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 teaspoon saffron thread, chopped
1 tablespoon hot water
1 3/4 chicken stock, hot
olive oil
2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in
1 large red onion, coarsely chopped
1 green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 teaspoons ground coriander
1 cup basmati rice
1/2 cup kalamata olive

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Put the saffron in a small bowl with 1 tbsp hot water. Allow to soak for at least 10 minutes.
  • While saffron is soaking, using as little olive oil as possible, brown the chicken 2 minutes per side in appropriate casserole dish (see note in description). Remove chicken and set aside.
  • Add onion and peppers to casserole dish and cook 4 minutes, stirring regularly. Add more olive oil if required.
  • Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
  • Add rice and stir to coat each grain in a thin layer of oil. Place chicken on top of rice.
  • Combine saffron liquid and chicken stock and stir. Pour the combined liquid over chicken and rice, return to heat, and bring to a boil.
  • Place lid on casserole dish and bake 50 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand several minutes with the lid on.
  • Stir in olives and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 711.6, Fat 38.5, SaturatedFat 10.6, Cholesterol 191, Sodium 328.1, Carbohydrate 45.8, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 4, Protein 44.5

COCONUT BARLEY PILAF WITH CORN, CHICKEN AND CASHEWS



Coconut Barley Pilaf With Corn, Chicken and Cashews image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, one pot, main course

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 10 ounces), rinsed and patted dry
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup salted roasted cashews, roughly chopped
1/2 medium onion, diced small (about 1 cup)
1 jalapeño pepper, diced
2 cups pearled barley
1 can (15-ounce) coconut milk
2 ears corn, kernels sliced off the cob (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, cilantro or parsley

Steps:

  • Cut chicken into 1-inch chunks; season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until light golden and almost cooked through, about 4 minutes. Stir in cashews and cook 1 minute more. Transfer mixture to a plate.
  • Add remaining tablespoon oil to pot. Stir in onions and jalapeño and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until onions are slightly softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in barley and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook 1 minute more. Add enough water to coconut milk to yield 2 cups liquid and add to pot. Bring liquid to a simmer, then cook, covered, over low heat until the barley is almost tender, about 40 minutes.
  • Stir in corn. If mixture looks dry, stir in 1 1/4 cups more water; cover and cook until barley and corn are tender, 10 to 15 minutes more.
  • Return chicken mixture to pot and stir well. Fold in herbs and more salt to taste.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 867, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 100 grams, Fat 41 grams, Fiber 18 grams, Protein 33 grams, SaturatedFat 23 grams, Sodium 466 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams

ROAST CHICKEN & BARLEY PILAF



Roast Chicken & Barley Pilaf image

Make and share this Roast Chicken & Barley Pilaf recipe from Food.com.

Provided by VickiAk

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (4 lb) whole chickens
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
12 sprigs fresh herbs, such as rosemary, sage, oregano
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced carrot
4 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup barley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Steps:

  • Roast chicken: heat oven to 450°F.
  • Gently lift skin from breast and legs and season with salt and pepper: place some sliced garlic and fresh herbs under skin. Place remaining garlic and herbs in the cavity of the chicken.
  • Place chicken on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. roast for 50 to 60 minutes.
  • Make Barley Pilaf: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, over medium heat oil. Add onion, carrot and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Add broth, barley, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Stirring occasionally. Add a few tablespoons water if mixture becomes too dry.
  • Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes. Remove skin, slice and serve with pilaf.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use high-quality chicken broth. You can make your own or use a store-bought brand.
  • If you don't have barley, you can substitute another grain, such as rice, quinoa, or farro.
  • Add more vegetables to the pilaf, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
  • Season the pilaf with your favorite herbs and spices. Some good options include cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric.
  • Serve the pilaf with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce.

Conclusion:

Moroccan chicken and barley pilaf is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you are looking for a hearty main course or a tasty side dish, this pilaf is sure to please.

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