One-Pot Moroccan Chicken

One-Pot Moroccan Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with a blend of warm spices, vegetables, and dried fruits. Infused with the rich flavors of cumin, cinnamon, and paprika, this dish captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine, creating a balance between savory and sweet with the addition of apricots or raisins. Cooking everything in one pot allows the spices and ingredients to meld together beautifully, making for a satisfying and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve this vibrant dish over couscous or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup dried apricots or raisins
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
• Cooked couscous or rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot, skin-side down, and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the sliced onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
4. Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Add the dried apricots or raisins, carrots, and chickpeas. Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve over couscous or rice.

This One-Pot Moroccan Chicken is a fragrant, hearty dish that’s bursting with warm spices and vibrant flavors, perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup!