Moroccan Braised Chicken is a classic dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, spiced sauce. This dish is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors of Moroccan spices like cumin, paprika, and saffron to infuse into the chicken. It's a comforting and aromatic meal that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Moroccan Braised Chicken

Moroccan Braised Chicken served with bread.

What Makes Moroccan Braised Chicken Special?

This dish is all about the spices and the slow-cooking process. The chicken is braised in a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of Moroccan spices. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a sauce that's rich, aromatic, and perfect for soaking up with bread or couscous.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 4-6 chicken thighs/legs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 tomatoes (grated or blended)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm water)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 preserved lemon (peel only, finely chopped)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Ingredients for Moroccan Braised Chicken

Ingredients needed for Moroccan Braised Chicken.

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the cumin, paprika, ginger, turmeric, saffron water, salt, and black pepper. Add the grated tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Braise the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pot and add the preserved lemon peel and chicken broth. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot with bread, couscous, or rice.
Serving Moroccan Braised Chicken

Serving Moroccan Braised Chicken with fresh herbs.

Tips for the Perfect Moroccan Braised Chicken

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and olive oil for 1-2 hours before cooking.
  • If you don't have preserved lemon, you can use the zest of a fresh lemon as a substitute.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
  • Serve with a side of Moroccan salad or olives for a complete meal.

Why You'll Love This Dish

Moroccan Braised Chicken is a dish that's both comforting and flavorful. The tender chicken, rich sauce, and aromatic spices make it a meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends.

Conclusion

Moroccan Braised Chicken is a classic dish that showcases the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine. With its tender meat, flavorful sauce, and aromatic spices, it's a meal that's perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of Morocco in your own kitchen!