Moroccan Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
This Moroccan Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors inspired by JanS Spice Mix, with influences from culinary experts Iain Hewiston and Claudia Roden. It’s a hearty dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory sauce with pumpkin, prunes, and a medley of spices that create a rich, aromatic experience perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/4 kg chicken pieces, skin-on
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 small pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 1 1/2 tbsp ras el hanout spice mix
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 12 pitted prunes
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 lemon, juice only
- Yoghurt, for serving
Nutrition per Serving:
- Calories: 906.3
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 14.7g
- Cholesterol: 236.2mg
- Sodium: 313.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 41.2g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Sugar: 21.8g
- Protein: 62.9g
Instructions:
-
Brown the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Brown them in batches, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a plate.
-
Saute Onions and Pumpkin:
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Cook until very tender and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add diced pumpkin and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
-
Add Spices:
- Stir in ras el hanout spice mix and saffron threads. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the spices.
-
Simmer with Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken to the pan. Add chicken stock, cinnamon stick, chopped tomatoes, prunes, honey, and lemon juice.
- Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
-
Thicken the Sauce:
- Remove the chicken pieces and set aside to keep warm.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Moroccan Chicken hot, with couscous or rice.
- Garnish with a dollop of yoghurt on top for a creamy finish.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Browning: Ensure the chicken is properly browned in batches to develop flavor and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of ras el hanout spice mix to suit your preference for spiciness.
- Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Don’t forget the yoghurt for a refreshing contrast.
Enjoy this Moroccan Chicken dish that brings together the warmth of North African spices with tender chicken and sweet prunes, creating a memorable meal full of exotic flavors and comforting aromas!
