Go Back
+ servings
Moroccan Chicken & Rice

Savor the Flavors of Moroccan Chicken & Rice Tonight

This Moroccan Chicken & Rice recipe is an exotic culinary adventure filled with spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marination Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 pound Chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts or drumsticks if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Substitute with lime juice if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Be cautious with quantity as it can overpower.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Dried coriander Use ground coriander if necessary.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Thyme or marjoram can be substituted.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic amplifies flavor more than powdered.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
For the Rice
  • 1 cup Basmati rice Short grain rice or jasmine rice can work, but results vary.
  • 2 cups Chicken stock Vegetable stock can be used for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots or leeks can be used instead.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Any neutral oil can be substituted.
To Serve
  • 2 wedge Lime wedges Brighten up the dish with acidity.
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt Adds creaminess and a refreshing contrast.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh coriander Enhances the dish with herbal freshness.

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Ovenproof skillet
  • plastic wrap
  • Measuring cups
  • Spoon

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, dried coriander, oregano, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Prepare for Cooking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather your cooking equipment—a large, ovenproof skillet will work best.
  3. Sear the Chicken: In the ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, meaty side down. Sear for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in additional turmeric and coriander.
  5. Cook Rice: Add the basmati rice, stirring to coat in the oil mixture. Stir for 2-3 minutes, then pour in the chicken stock, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom.
  6. Combine & Roast: Nestle the seared chicken thighs over the rice mixture. Cover the skillet tightly and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
  7. Serve: After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve garnished with lime wedges, Greek yogurt, and fresh coriander.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider marinating the chicken overnight for rich flavor. Adjust turmeric quantity according to taste preferences.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!