Experience the warmth and richness of Moroccan cuisine with this delightful chicken and couscous recipe. Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and paprika, tender boneless chicken thighs come together with sweet raisins and crunchy almonds for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
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Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:
- Warm Fall Spices: The cinnamon and paprika in this dish give it a comforting warmth that’s perfect for cooler weather. These spices add a subtle richness to the chicken, making it taste like fall in every bite.
- Aromatic and Flavorful: Fresh ginger and garlic make the dish incredibly aromatic. As they cook, they fill your kitchen with a cozy scent that instantly feels comforting, making it a joy to cook as well as to eat!
- Nourishing Ingredients: With tender chicken, raisins for a touch of sweetness, and almonds for crunch, this dish offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of nourishing meal that feels hearty yet light, perfect for this season.
- Meal Prep Magic: This recipe is an excellent choice for meal prep because the flavors actually get better over time. As the spices meld with the chicken and couscous, each meal becomes even more flavorful, giving you something delicious to look forward to every day.
- Autumnal Hues: The warm colors from the paprika, golden couscous, and vibrant green onions look just as good as they taste. This visually appealing meal adds a festive touch to your meal prep containers.
- Easy but Impressive: Moroccan-inspired flavors make this dish feel gourmet without being complicated. It’s an easy way to spice up your weekly meal prep routine and impress anyone you’re sharing a meal with!
- Balanced and Satisfying: The combination of protein, whole grains, and healthy fats (from almonds) makes this dish balanced and filling. It provides sustained energy for busy days, keeping you cozy and well-fueled through crisp fall afternoons.
Vibrant and Flavorful Ingredients:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and slightly richer in flavor than chicken breasts, making them a great base for the bold spices in this recipe. They soak up all the aromatics and seasonings beautifully, delivering juicy bites that carry the dish’s warm, savory essence.
- White and Green Onions: White onions provide a strong, slightly sweet base flavor, while green onions add a fresh, mild sharpness. Together, they offer both depth and brightness, creating a balance in each bite. They also add subtle color and texture variation to the dish.
- Minced Garlic and Ginger: These two aromatics are essential for building flavor. Garlic brings a rich, savory undertone, while ginger adds a hint of warmth and a slight spiciness that complements the sweet and savory spices. Together, they create an aroma that fills the kitchen with coziness, setting the stage for the Moroccan-inspired flavors to come.
- Roma Tomato: Diced roma tomatoes add a juicy, slightly acidic note that cuts through the richness of the chicken and spices. They also add a pop of color and moisture, helping to balance the dish by adding a hint of freshness amidst the warm spices.
- Cinnamon and Paprika: These two spices are the heart of the Moroccan flavor profile. Cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of sweetness, enhancing the cozy, fall-inspired flavor. Paprika provides an earthy smokiness and a gentle heat, creating depth that perfectly complements the richness of the chicken.
- Raisins: Raisins bring a subtle sweetness that contrasts with the savory, spiced chicken. They add a chewy texture that makes each bite more interesting and play off the cinnamon in the dish, enhancing its Moroccan flair.
- Sliced Almonds: Almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty richness, complementing the warmth of the spices and the sweetness of the raisins. They’re a final touch of texture and flavor that makes the dish feel complete and satisfying.
- Couscous: Couscous is the perfect canvas for this flavorful chicken. It’s light, fluffy, and neutral, soaking up the sauce and juices from the chicken without overpowering it. Couscous also brings a subtle nuttiness that pairs well with the almonds and spices, creating a complete and harmonious dish.
Easy Recipe Steps:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add diced white onions and chopped green onions, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken thighs to the pan along with cinnamon, paprika, and salt. Stir well, cooking for 7-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Pour in 1/4 cup of water to deglaze, scraping up any delicious bits at the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Add Garlic, Ginger, and Tomatoes: Toss in minced garlic, ginger, and diced roma tomato. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Couscous: While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare the couscous according to package directions. Typically, bring water to a boil, then add the couscous, cover, and turn off the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Combine and Garnish: Add raisins and sliced almonds to the chicken mixture, stirring well to combine. Serve the savory, fragrant chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous, and enjoy!
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Recipe Tips
- Flavors Enhance Over Time: Allow the dish to sit for a day in the refrigerator before eating. The spices and flavors will deepen and become even more delicious!
- Freezing for Later:If you want to save portions for later, this dish freezes well. Make sure to cool the chicken and couscous completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Label with the date, and it can last for up to three months.
- Nuts: Swap sliced almonds for walnuts, pistachios, or cashews for a different flavor and texture.
- Fruits: Use dried apricots or cranberries instead of raisins to switch up the sweetness and add new flavors.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added freshness and color.Different Meats: You can also use shrimp, or even fish like salmon, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more quickly, so be sure to monitor cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for couscous?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using quinoa or rice. Both will provide a similar texture and can soak up the flavors of the dish. Adjust the cooking method according to the grain you choose.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Moroccan Chicken and Couscous
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions