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Moroccan Chicken
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5 from 6 votes

Moroccan Chicken

Juicy Moroccan chicken thighs marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Perfect for grilling or baking, this easy recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a lightly charred exterior and bright citrus finish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: moroccan
Keyword: baked Moroccan chicken thighs, grilled moroccan chicken thighs, moroccan chicken thighs
Servings: 6 chicken thighs
chicken thighs
Author: Olya Shepard

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 2 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon coarse ground pepper
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs

For serving (optional)

  • chopped cilantro
  • lemon slices
  • couscous
  • rice

Instructions

Make the Marinade

  • In a zipper bag, combine all the ingredients except the chicken. Squish the bag around and then add the chicken. Squish the bag around again to coat the chicken. Place the bag in a bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight. 

Prep the Chicken

  • Remove chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet or roasting dish with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.

Oven Method

  • Arrange the chicken pieces spaced apart and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The top should be beautifully golden with light charred edges.
    Optional: For an extra-crisp finish, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.

Grill Method

  • Preheat your grill to medium high heat. You want it to be about 425 inside.
  • Brush the grill with canola oil and place the chicken on top of the grates, smoothest side down, and close the lid. Grill for 5 minutes and then flip. Grill for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F. 

Serve

  • Remove from the grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lemon slices if desired. 
  • Serve with a side of couscous and lemon, if desired. 
Nutrition Facts
Moroccan Chicken
Amount per Serving
Calories
403
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
32
g
49
%
Saturated Fat
 
8
g
50
%
Trans Fat
 
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
16
g
Cholesterol
 
148
mg
49
%
Sodium
 
506
mg
22
%
Potassium
 
343
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
 
3
g
1
%
Fiber
 
0.4
g
2
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
25
g
50
%
Vitamin A
 
293
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
 
3
mg
4
%
Calcium
 
21
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only. This information comes from online calculators. Although whatsinthepan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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