Moroccan Chicken and Couscous
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
720 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Moroccan
Moroccan Chicken and Couscous
Description
Moroccan Chicken and Couscous features chicken breasts seasoned with a distinctive Moroccan spice blend that includes cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, and cardamom. The chicken is coated with an olive oil and spice paste, seared for color, then baked until fully cooked, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. The couscous side is prepared by sautéing aromatic vegetables like onion, garlic, and carrots, followed by adding the spice blend, raisins for sweetness, and cooking couscous in this flavorful base. Fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten the couscous, adding freshness to the dish.
The dish's flavor profile balances warm spices with a hint of heat from the cayenne pepper and the natural sweetness from the raisins, combined with tender chicken and fluffy couscous. The cooking method ensures the chicken remains juicy with a lightly crisped exterior due to pan searing before baking. The couscous is fluffed after cooking to separate the grains and mixed thoroughly with the vegetables and herbs, offering a satisfying texture contrast.
This recipe works well as a wholesome dinner, pairing the protein and grain with its spice-accented flavors. Adjusting the cayenne pepper level can customize the heat to preference. The couscous can be served alongside the sliced chicken to balance the spices and textures.
Marinating the chicken in the spice paste for up to one day enhances flavor penetration. Both golden and dark raisins are acceptable. Extra spice blend can be stored for future use with other dishes like eggs or meats. Fluffing the couscous with forks prevents clumping and improves the presentation and texture of the grains.
Ingredients
Moroccan Spice Blend
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 chicken breast
Moroccan Chicken
- 2 chicken breast
- 2 tbsp Moroccan spice blend
- 1/8 cup olive oil
Moroccan Couscous
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion Diced
- 4 cloves garlic Minced
- 2 carrot Diced
- 1 tsp Moroccan spice blend
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 1/2 cup couscous
- 2 cups water
- 1/3 cup parsley Chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
Moroccan Spice Blend
- Place all the spices in a large bowl, stir using a small spoon.
- Take one teaspoon of the spice blend and save it for the couscous. Two tablespoons of the Moroccan spice blend will be used for the chicken.
Moroccan Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Coat a baking sheet with non stick spray. Set aside.
- Mix two tablespoons of the Moroccan spice blend with the olive oil until it forms a paste.
- Spread the paste over the chicken breasts on all sides. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts in the pan, 3 minutes on each side. Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked. Take them out of the oven, cover with a piece of aluminum foil and let them sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
Moroccan Couscous
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic until golden.
- Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add Moroccan spices and stir well. Add raisins to the vegetables.
- Add couscous and stir well so it's incorporated with the vegetables and spices.
- Add in water and bring it to boil. Lower the heat, cover and let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes until it's fully cooked. Fluff the couscous using two forks.
- Add lemon juice and parsley to the couscous.
- Serve the couscous with sliced Moroccan chicken.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in the spice paste for up to 24 hours to deepen flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to increase or reduce spiciness based on preference.
- Both golden and dark raisins are suitable and bring different sweetness notes.
- Store extra Moroccan spice blend in a sealed jar for use in various dishes.
- Fluff cooked couscous gently with forks to keep grains separate and prevent sticking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 720 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 720kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 74g | 25% |
| Protein | 58g | 116% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 889mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 1306mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 5877IU | 118% |
| Vitamin C | 19mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 78mg | 8% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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