Moroccan Chicken with Dates

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant kitchens of North Africa with this irresistible Moroccan Chicken with Dates. Featuring tender, golden-seared chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant medley of cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and turmeric, this dish is a symphony of warm, earthy spices perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of plump, caramelized dates and a drizzle of honey. Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch, while a garnish of fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous finish. Perfectly paired with fluffy couscous, rice, or warm flatbread, this one-pot wonder is both comforting and exotic, making it an ideal centerpiece for any dinner gathering. Bursting with flavor and ready in under an hour, this recipe combines the ease of home cooking with the allure of Moroccan cuisine.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 45 min
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

17 items

• 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 12 dates, pitted and halved
• 1 cup almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving, optional)

📝 Instructions

11 steps

1. Season the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

3. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

5. Add the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, cumin, ginger, turmeric, and paprika. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

6. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Bring to a simmer.

7. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the broth. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes.

8. After 30 minutes, add the pitted dates and honey to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and cook for another 10 minutes, uncovered, to let the sauce thicken slightly.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

10. Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh chopped cilantro.

11. Serve hot with couscous, rice, or flatbread, and optionally with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (462.6g)

Calories		883
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		48.1 g	62%
	Saturated Fat	9.3 g	46%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		122 mg	41%
Sodium		1117 mg	49%
Total Carbohydrate		86.5 g	31%
	Dietary Fiber	10.6 g	38%
	Total Sugars	68.0 g
Protein		37.5 g	75%
Vitamin D		0.0 mcg	0%
Calcium		194 mg	15%
Iron		4.6 mg	26%
Potassium		1349 mg	29%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1730 cal (46.6%%)

Protein: 602 cal (16.2%%)

Carbs: 1382 cal (37.2%%)