Moroccan Chicken Bundles – A Flavorful Moroccan Delight

These Moroccan Chicken Bundles, inspired by the traditional Moroccan b’stilla, are a delectable treat wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry and filled with a rich blend of aromatic spices. The combination of cumin, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and coriander creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that transports you straight to the heart of Morocco. These bundles are perfect for those who enjoy a mix of savory and slightly sweet dishes, with the addition of a spiced tomato dipping sauce completing the experience.

While they might take some time and effort to prepare, the end result is undeniably worth it. These bundles can be served as appetizers for a special dinner party or as a delightful snack. The recipe includes easy-to-follow steps to ensure you create these crispy, golden treats in your kitchen.

Recipe Details

• Category: Moroccan
• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Serving Size: 32 rolls
• Yield: 32 rolls
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Nutritional Information (per roll):
  • Calories: 89
  • Fat: 6.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.8g
  • Cholesterol: 35.8mg
  • Sodium: 64.2mg
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Sugar: 0.2g
  • Protein: 4g

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Onion	1
Olive oil	1 tbsp
Salt	3/4 tsp
Ground cumin	1/2 tsp
Ground ginger	1/2 tsp
Ground turmeric	1/2 tsp
Ground black pepper	1/4 tsp
Ground coriander	1 1/4 tsp
Chicken thighs (bone-in)	3/4 lb (approx.)
Chicken broth	1/2 cup
Water	1/2 cup
Cinnamon stick	1
Eggs	2 large
Unsalted butter	1/4 cup
Phyllo pastry sheets	8 sheets
Ground cinnamon	1/2 tsp
Brown mustard seeds	2 tsp

Directions

Preparing the Chicken Filling

1. Sauté the Onion & Spices
   In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the onion, salt, cumin, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and coriander. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.

2. Simmer the Chicken
   Add the chicken thighs to the pan, followed by the chicken broth, water, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for approximately 45 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. The chicken should be very tender and cooked through.

3. Shred the Chicken
   Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a bowl, reserving the cooking liquid. Let the chicken cool slightly before removing the skin and bones. Shred the chicken either by hand or using a food processor for a finer texture. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Cooking Liquid
   Place the cooking liquid in a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Let it sit for a minute to allow the fat to rise to the top. Skim off the fat, then discard the cinnamon stick. Return the liquid to the saucepan and simmer over medium heat, uncovered, until it reduces to about 1/4 cup (around 8 minutes). The liquid should thicken into a glaze-like consistency.

5. Combine Chicken & Liquid
   Stir the reduced liquid into the shredded chicken along with the almonds. Set the mixture aside to cool.

6. Prepare the Egg Filling
   Lightly beat 2 eggs in a small bowl, reserving 2 tablespoons of the beaten egg for later use. Add salt and pepper to the remaining eggs. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat and pour in the beaten eggs. Cook until just set but still slightly soft. Stir the cooked eggs into the chicken filling, ensuring everything is evenly combined.

Assembling the Phyllo Rolls

7. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Position the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven.

8. Prepare the Phyllo Pastry
   Lay one phyllo sheet flat on a clean work surface, keeping the rest covered with plastic wrap and a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. Brush the phyllo sheet generously with melted butter, then evenly sift 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon over the buttered sheet.

9. Layer the Phyllo Sheets
   Top the buttered sheet with a second phyllo sheet and brush again with melted butter. Repeat this process to create a stack of two buttered phyllo sheets.

10. Cut and Fill the Phyllo Sheets
    Cut the buttered phyllo stack in half crosswise. Place one half of the stack with the long side facing you. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the edge closest to you, then carefully roll up the filling tightly in the phyllo, leaving the ends open.

11. Transfer to Baking Sheet
    Carefully transfer the filled roll to a cutting board set inside a baking pan. This will help contain the mustard seeds when you sprinkle them later. Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo sheets and chicken filling until you have 7 more rolls, for a total of 8.

Baking the Rolls

12. Brush with Egg Wash
    Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the reserved beaten egg wash, then immediately sprinkle with brown mustard seeds. Gently press the mustard seeds into the rolls to ensure they adhere.

13. Bake the Rolls
    Cut each roll into four pieces, making sure they are evenly spaced on baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes, switching the positions of the sheets halfway through to ensure even baking. The phyllo should be golden brown and crispy.

14. Cool and Serve
    Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prepare Ahead: The rolls can be assembled (but not coated or cut) a day in advance. Simply chill them, covered, in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Alternatively, the rolls can be assembled and cut (but not baked) up to 2 weeks in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to bake, coat with butter and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden.

Serving Suggestions

These Moroccan Chicken Bundles are best served with a Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce, Moroccan-style, for an added layer of flavor. The tangy, spiced sauce complements the richness of the chicken filling and the crispy pastry beautifully.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a flavorful, slightly exotic dish to impress your guests or treat yourself to a unique snack, these Moroccan Chicken Bundles are an ideal choice. With their tender, spiced chicken filling wrapped in flaky, golden phyllo pastry, they’re a true delight to the taste buds. While they require a bit of time and attention to detail, the results are absolutely worth it. Give this recipe a try and transport yourself to Morocco with every bite!