Meat main dishes

Moroccan chicken

⏱ 90 min🍳 60 min👤 3 pp★★★☆☆

Nothing is quite the same as the discovery of new and exciting recipes; it has always represented the revelation of a cultural heritage near or far, and in no time you’ll be making dishes evoking unique emotions and sensations to share with your guests at a convivial gathering. With today's recipe, which leads us to explore the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, we chose to visit one of the countries where spices are the masters, namely, Morocco. Our dish is none other than Moroccan chicken, an explosion of exotic aromas and flavours like no other. Are you ready to be inspired by our recipe, which will take you on a journey away from home, and produce on your dining table all the fantasy of a land where the food is filled with Arab flavours and aromas?

Ingredients

Nutritional values 380 kcal / serving

Protein
35g
Carbohydrates
22g
Fat
18g
Fiber
3g

* approximate values per serving

Information
90 minutes Preparation time
60 minutes Cooking time
Serves 3 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Salt the chicken and let it stand for 30 mins. Meanwhile, cut the onion into thick slices and dice the plums, lemons and mandarins. In a large, deep pan, heat the oil and fry the chicken for a few minutes. Then add the lemon, mandarin, some almonds, some of the plums, the olives and half the chopped onion. Add a ladleful of liquid from the lemons in salt, a dash of cumin and sugar. Stir well and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. In a frying pan sauté the remaining onion with a few almonds and the remaining plums. Add a pinch of sugar and salt, and then soften with a little water. Once the chicken is ready, serve on a bed of couscous and pour over the sauce made separately in the frying pan.

Tips
Depending on what type of olives you prefer, you can use either black or green ones.
Trivia
This wonderful Moroccan chicken is in the best culinary traditions of this country of the southern Mediterranean shores, with an unmistakable touch of spice.

Step by step

Salt
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Additional information

Moroccan Chicken with Plums and Almonds

A delicious variation of Moroccan Chicken includes the addition of plums and almonds, ingredients that give the dish a unique sweetness and unexpected crunch. To prepare this recipe, start by salting the chicken and letting it rest for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients: cut the onion into thick slices, dice the plums, and segment the lemon and clementines. When the chicken is ready, brown it in a pot with some oil, then add the plums and almonds along with the black olives and onion. This combination of sweet and savory flavors will surprise your palate, making the dish perfect for a special dinner or a Sunday lunch. The sweetness of the plums pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the olives, while the almonds add a crunchy note.

Traditional Moroccan Chicken

Traditional Moroccan Chicken is a dish that reflects the richness of Moroccan cuisine, characterized by a mix of spices and fresh ingredients. In the classic preparation, the chicken is cooked with a variety of spices, including cumin and cinnamon, which give the dish a warm aroma. The recipe also calls for the use of preserved lemons, which add a tangy and salty note, perfectly balancing the flavor of the chicken. For an authentic preparation, it is advisable to use free-range chicken, which will make the dish even more flavorful. This way of cooking chicken is typical of the regions of Morocco, where spices are an integral part of the culinary tradition and are used to enhance the flavors of fresh ingredients. Served with couscous or Moroccan bread, this dish is a true celebration of North African cuisine.

Light Moroccan Chicken without Sugar

For those who wish to enjoy Moroccan Chicken in a lighter version, it can be prepared without sugar, preserving the flavors thanks to the use of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. By substituting or reducing the amount of sugar, it is possible to achieve a healthier dish, perfect for those following a controlled diet. In this variant, it is essential to use fresh lemons and clementines to ensure the right natural sweetness, enriching the dish without the addition of refined sugars. The benefits of this approach are numerous: in addition to reducing calories, it promotes a more balanced diet. Furthermore, chicken is a source of lean protein, contributing to a healthy and balanced diet. This light recipe is ideal for those who want to maintain their figure without sacrificing taste and variety of flavors.

Benefits of Moroccan Chicken: Properties and Nutritional Values

Moroccan Chicken, prepared with fresh ingredients and spices, offers numerous health benefits. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Plums, used in many variations of the recipe, are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, almonds provide healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. This dish, therefore, is not only tasty but also nutritious, with a calorie content that varies depending on the preparation, but can be around 350-400 calories per serving. The combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices makes Moroccan Chicken an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy and satisfying meal.

Can Moroccan Chicken be frozen?

One of the most frequently asked questions about Moroccan Chicken is whether it can be frozen. The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze this dish, but there are some precautions to consider. It is advisable to freeze the chicken once cooked and cooled, in order to preserve its texture and flavor. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or in food bags, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you decide to consume it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. It is important to note that frozen chicken can maintain its quality for about 2-3 months, so it is best to consume it within this period to ensure optimal flavor. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy Moroccan Chicken even at a later time without compromising its quality.