Imagine a meal that transports you to the vibrant markets of Marrakech with just one bite - our One Pot Moroccan Chicken is your culinary passport to an unforgettable dining experience! This incredible dish combines the rich, aromatic spices of North Africa with tender, crispy chicken and hearty chickpeas, creating a meal that's not just dinner, but a delicious adventure waiting to happen. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave bold flavors without complicated preparation, this recipe promises to become your new weeknight favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Moroccan spice blend
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Moroccan spice blend on both sides.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down to achieve a golden brown, crispy skin.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and golden, then flip and cook other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add drained chickpeas and chopped dried apricots to the pan, stirring to combine with onions and garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor.
- Return chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the liquid and vegetables. Ensure chicken is partially submerged.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove lid, let sauce reduce for additional 5 minutes if desired, and serve hot garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
Tips
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden skin that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and better browning.
- Don't rush the initial chicken searing - those golden-brown bits create incredible depth of flavor.
- For extra richness, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs which stay more moist and flavorful.
- If you can't find a pre-mixed Moroccan spice blend, create your own with a mix of cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro aren't just garnish - they add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, spiced chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
