Elevate your weeknight dinners with this bold and aromatic Chicken Charmoula recipe, featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and lemon. This North African-inspired dish is infused with warm spices like cumin and paprika, with an optional cayenne kick for those who love a bit of heat. The charmoula marinade doubles as a flavorful sauce, drizzled over the grilled or oven-roasted chicken for irresistible layers of taste. Ready in under an hour (plus marinade time), this recipe is perfect for serving alongside fluffy couscous, fragrant rice, or a crisp salad. Impress your family and friends with this vibrant, herbaceous delight that's as easy to prepare as it is delicious!
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In a food processor or blender, combine fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Blend until a smooth paste forms to create the charmoula marinade.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
Pour about 2/3 of the charmoula marinade over the chicken, reserving the rest for serving. Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken to ensure it's well-coated. Cover the bowl (or seal the bag) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your grill or oven. If grilling, heat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C). If using the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C).
If grilling, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using the oven, arrange the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the chicken warm, topped with the reserved charmoula marinade. Pair with couscous, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Calories |
373 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.4 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.0 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 81 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 820 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.9 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.6 g | ||
| Protein | 19.6 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 61 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 386 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.