Moroccan Garlic Chicken

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Infused with the vibrant and aromatic spices of North Africa, Moroccan Garlic Chicken is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that transforms simple chicken thighs into a masterpiece of savory and tangy flavors. Tender, golden-seared chicken is simmered in a rich, spiced sauce featuring ground cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric, all enhanced by the warmth of a cinnamon stick. A bright touch of lemon juice and zest, a hint of sweetness from honey, and a finishing sprinkle of fresh cilantro and parsley bring balance and freshness to the dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing meal, this one-pan recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous, steamed rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the velvety sauce. Ready in under an hour, this Moroccan-inspired garlic chicken is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 40 min
• Total Time: 55 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

15 items

• 6 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 6 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Ground paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 stick Cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1 whole Lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

📝 Instructions

9 steps

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer and sear them on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Lower the heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.

4. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and the cinnamon stick. Cook the spices for 30 seconds to release their aromas.

5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and mix in the flavors. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey.

6. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, making sure they are partially submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

7. Remove the lid and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.

8. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley.

9. Serve the Moroccan Garlic Chicken hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired, alongside rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (269.6g)

Calories		452
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		27.2 g	35%
	Saturated Fat	5.9 g	30%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		157 mg	52%
Sodium		740 mg	32%
Total Carbohydrate		11.3 g	4%
	Dietary Fiber	2.2 g	8%
	Total Sugars	5.4 g
Protein		41.0 g	82%
Vitamin D		0.3 mcg	1%
Calcium		58 mg	4%
Iron		2.7 mg	15%
Potassium		564 mg	12%

*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: 975 cal (53.8%%)

Protein: 655 cal (36.1%%)

Carbs: 183 cal (10.1%%)