The Perfect One Pot Moroccan Chicken Recipe for Cozy, Flavor Packed Dinners
Ever crave a dinner that fills your kitchen with the warm, rich aroma of spices and comes together effortlessly in a one-pot wonder?
This one pot Moroccan chicken brings it all: juicy chicken, bright flavors, and those iconic Moroccan spices.
With simple ingredients and only one dish to wash, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
What Makes This One Pot Moroccan Chicken Dish So Irresistible?
Moroccan cuisine is known for its aromatic spices and vibrant flavors.
This dish captures the essence of Moroccan cooking by layering spices like paprika, cumin, and coriander to build warmth and depth.
The chicken thighs stay juicy, and the chickpeas add texture, making it an ideal dinner for a flavorful weeknight or potluck.
Ingredients for the Best One Pan Moroccan Chicken
Every ingredient here plays a role in creating a perfectly balanced dish. Let’s break down why each is essential for the flavor profile:
- Olive Oil: Adds a base richness that helps brown the chicken well.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in thighs are tender and juicy, but chicken breasts can be subbed for a leaner option.
- Onion and Garlic: These two create a savory base, essential for almost every Moroccan recipe.
- Spices: The combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and paprika gives that deep, earthy taste. A dash of cinnamon and black pepper adds a unique warmth that’s characteristic of Moroccan spices.
- Chicken Broth: This broth adds flavor and creates a savory sauce. Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity to balance the spices.
- Green Olives: The saltiness cuts through the sweetness of the apricots.
- Dried Apricots and Raisins: A touch of sweetness that’s classic in Moroccan cuisine.
- Chickpeas: A hearty ingredient that complements the chicken and spices.
- Toasted Almonds: Optional, but they add a nice crunch and complexity.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Adds brightness, making the flavors pop.
- Fresh Herbs: A garnish of cilantro or parsley adds a refreshing contrast to the spices.
Moroccan dishes come alive through a vibrant mix of spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Our culinary spices guide can help you understand how these spices transform simple ingredients into something special, adding depth and aroma to each meal.
Step-By-Step: How to Make One Pot Moroccan-Spiced Chicken
1. Sear the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Place them skin-side down, letting them brown for about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base
Add diced onion to the pot and cook until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the Spices
Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, paprika, cinnamon, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir to toast the spices, releasing their fragrance.
4. Pour in Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add diced tomatoes. Stir, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Return the Chicken and Add Chickpeas, Fruits, and Olives
Add the chicken thighs back to the pot. Stir in green olives, dried apricots, raisins, and chickpeas.
6. Simmer Until Tender
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Brighten with Lemon and Serve
Add lemon zest and juice to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with couscous or rice.
Moroccan Spiced Chicken Recipe
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One Pot Moroccan Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
Description
This one pot Moroccan chicken is an easy, aromatic dish that blends savory spices with tender chicken, dried fruits, and olives, all simmered together for a deliciously flavorful meal. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe offers a taste of traditional Moroccan cuisine in a single pot, with minimal clean-up.
Equipment Needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/4 cup raisins or sultanas
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup almonds, toasted (optional)
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
-
Sear the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot, skin-side down. Sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. -
Toast the Spices:
Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Toast the spices with the onions and garlic for about 1-2 minutes, releasing their aromas. -
Deglaze the Pot:
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. This enhances the flavor and brings richness to the sauce. -
Add Chicken and Other Ingredients:
Return the chicken thighs to the pot. Add the green olives, dried apricots, raisins, chickpeas, and toasted almonds (if using) to the mixture. Stir everything together to combine. -
Simmer Until Tender:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. -
Finish with Lemon and Garnish:
Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Notes
Adding toasted almonds brings a slight crunch to the dish, giving it an unexpected and delightful texture. This simple addition enhances the dish’s richness while adding a subtle, nutty flavor. Not traditionally included in most Moroccan chicken recipes, this unique touch makes the dish truly memorable.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot over couscous, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage & Reheating:
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-frying, Braising
- Cuisine: North African, Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
Nutritional Insights
This one-pot Moroccan chicken is packed with nutrients that make it as good for you as it is delicious! Here’s a quick look at the health benefits you’ll find in each serving:
- Protein-Packed: The chicken thighs provide plenty of protein to keep you full and support muscle health. It’s a hearty main that makes you feel satisfied.
- Fiber Boost: Chickpeas add a dose of fiber, which is great for digestion and helps you feel fuller longer. They also add a rich, nutty flavor and texture to the dish.
- Healthy Fats: Cooking with olive oil brings heart-healthy fats to the table, giving the dish a satisfying richness and helping your body absorb all those delicious spices.
- Spices with Benefits: Moroccan spices like turmeric and cinnamon are more than just flavorful; they’re also rich in antioxidants that help protect your body.
- Vitamin C: The lemon zest and juice added at the end bring a fresh brightness to the dish and give you a small boost of immune-supporting vitamin C.
This recipe brings together ingredients that aren’t just delicious but also nourishing, making it a great choice for a balanced, satisfying meal. Enjoy this hearty one-pot dish knowing you’re feeding your body well!
This meal is packed with fiber and protein from the chicken thighs and chickpeas, while Moroccan spices provide antioxidants.
Substitutions and Alternatives
- Chicken Thighs: Swap with chicken breasts or chicken drumsticks.
- Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Olives: Try black olives or Kalamata olives if you can’t find green.
- Dried Fruits: Substitute apricots and raisins with dried figs or prunes.
FAQs On This Moroccan Chicken Recipe
Yes, chicken breasts work well but may cook faster than chicken thighs.
Serve with couscous, roast potatoes, or even a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Absolutely. Sear the chicken on sauté mode, add the ingredients, and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
Yes, freeze in portions and reheat for a quick meal prep option.
Feel free to add green beans or even shiitake mushrooms for a twist.
Yes! Simply add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and will cook a bit quicker.
For more delicious, comforting recipes like this one-pot Moroccan chicken, explore our full collection of easy-to-follow recipes. Each recipe is crafted for the home cook looking for flavor without the fuss.
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Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.