Magical Moroccan Chicken Thighs: A Spice-Laden Journey

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Morocco with this sumptuous recipe for Moroccan Chicken Thighs. Designed to serve four, this dish is a perfect blend of tenderness, aromatic spices, and simplicity. In just under an hour, you’ll bring to your table a feast that’s guaranteed to transform any ordinary evening into a vibrant Moroccan night.

Succulent Moroccan Chicken Thighs

• Yields: 4 servings
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

📷 Image by acedarspoon

Description:

Dive into the rich, aromatic world of Moroccan cuisine with this easy-to-make recipe. Featuring juicy chicken thighs nestled among sweet carrots, robust onions, lush dried figs, and tangy diced tomatoes—all bathed in an exquisite Moroccan spice blend—this dish promises a burst of flavors with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Exotic Moroccan Spice Blend:

• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1½ tsp ground cumin, divided
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp sweet paprika, divided
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp sea salt
• A dash of pepper

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1½ lbs organic boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes
• Juice of 1 lemon + ½ lemon, sliced
• 1 cup green olives, sliced or whole

Garnish:

• 4 Tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Whisk together coriander, 1 tsp cumin, turmeric, ½ tsp paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create your magical Moroccan spice blend.
3. Lay the chicken thighs out on a cutting board, tenderly massaging them with your aromatic spice mix, ensuring every inch is covered.
4. Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high flame. Sear the chicken on both sides until they’re beautifully golden, about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
5. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the onions and let them soften for two minutes. Add the carrots, garlic, remaining cumin, and paprika, sautéing for another 4 minutes until everything is fragrant and tender.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, along with the diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes.
7. Arrange the chicken thighs back in the skillet. Tuck in the lemon slices, figs, and olives around the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature of 175°F.
8. Once done, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and cilantro for a burst of green.
9. Serve this Moroccan marvel over a fluffy bed of your favorite grains, accompanied by a slice of warm pita bread or naan for the ultimate dining experience.

Embark on this flavorful adventure, and let the rich tapestry of Moroccan spices and tender chicken whisk you away to a world where every meal is a celebration. Enjoy!