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Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Rice

Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Rice

Fragrant chicken thighs simmered with warm Moroccan spices over fluffy rice. A cozy, one-pot dinner with bright citrus and herbs.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt divide between seasoning and the pot
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.75 tsp ground turmeric
  • 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground ginger
  • 1.5 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1.5 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1.5 cup long-grain rice, rinsed basmati or similar
  • 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup diced tomatoes with juices
  • 0.25 cup raisins or chopped dried apricots
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 0.25 cup toasted slivered almonds for serving

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Stir together salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger in a small bowl.
  • Pat chicken dry and coat all over with half of the spice mix.
  • Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden on both sides, 6–8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
  • Drop heat to medium. Cook onion in the pot until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.
  • Add rice and the remaining spice mix. Stir to coat and lightly toast the grains, 1 minute.
  • Pour in broth and add diced tomatoes and raisins. Scrape up browned bits and bring to a gentle boil.
  • Nestle chicken and any juices into the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until rice is tender, 18–20 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff the rice.
  • Fold in lemon juice, lemon zest, and herbs. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and serve warm.

Notes

Try swapping raisins for chopped dried apricots, or add a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth to loosen the rice.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Rice flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.