Aromatic Moroccan Chicken with Nutty Couscous
Experience the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine with this delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in an aromatic blend of spices and sweet orange juice. Paired with a nutty couscous enhanced by sultanas, walnuts, and apricots, this modified version of a classic recipe promises an incredible depth of taste and texture that will elevate your dining experience. Perfect for a cozy dinner for four, where the warmth of cinnamon and the zest of citrus come together to enchant your palate.
4
Servings
550
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (none)
sunflower oil
1 tablespoon (none)
chicken breasts
4 (skinless)
onions
2 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (none)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (none)
clear honey
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1 pinch (none)
fresh mint
to garnish (none)
couscous
350 grams (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
caster sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
sunflower oil
1 tablespoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
grated nutmeg
1 pinch (none)
orange blossom water
1 tablespoon (used orange juice)
sultanas
2 tablespoons (none)
chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons (none)
chopped dried apricot
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add sunflower oil.
2
Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking them skin-side down until they turn golden brown.
3
Flip the chicken breasts over and add the finely chopped onions and crushed garlic to the skillet.
4
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground turmeric over the chicken and vegetables.
5
Pour in the orange juice, add a pinch of salt, and incorporate 300ml of water into the skillet. Stir well.
6
Cover the skillet, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
7
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the couscous by mixing it with 1 teaspoon of salt and 350ml of water. Let it soak for 5 minutes.
8
To the couscous mixture, add the caster sugar, sunflower oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of grated nutmeg, orange blossom water (or orange juice), sultanas, chopped walnuts, and chopped dried apricots.
9
Line a steamer with greaseproof paper and place the couscous on the paper, spreading it evenly.
10
Arrange the steamer over the chicken skillet and steam the couscous for 10 minutes.
11
After the cooking time, remove the steamer and stir 2 teaspoons of clear honey into the chicken's liquid in the skillet. Increase heat to boil rapidly for 3-4 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of cornflour mixed with water to thicken further.
12
To serve, place the couscous on a plate, arrange the chicken on top, and drizzle the sauce over the serving.
13
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
16 grams
Fat
70 grams
Carbs
30 grams
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Aromatic Moroccan Chicken served with Nutty Couscous.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
What type of chicken should be used?
The recipe calls for 4 skinless chicken breasts.
Which spices are used to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground turmeric.
How do you prepare the chicken at the start?
Melt butter and sunflower oil in a skillet, then cook the chicken breasts skin-side down until golden brown.
What aromatics are added to the skillet with the chicken?
Finely chopped onions and crushed garlic cloves are added to the skillet.
What liquid is used to simmer the chicken?
The chicken is simmered in a mixture of orange juice and 300ml of water.
How long should the chicken simmer?
The chicken should simmer covered for 30 minutes.
How is the couscous initially prepared?
Mix the couscous with 1 teaspoon of salt and 350ml of water, then let it soak for 5 minutes.
What ingredients make the couscous 'nutty'?
The couscous includes chopped walnuts, sultanas, and chopped dried apricots.
What spices are added to the couscous?
The couscous is flavored with ground cinnamon and a pinch of grated nutmeg.
Can I substitute orange blossom water?
Yes, the recipe suggests using orange juice as a substitute for orange blossom water.
How is the couscous cooked?
The couscous is steamed for 10 minutes in a steamer placed over the chicken skillet.
What is used to sweeten the chicken sauce?
Two teaspoons of clear honey are stirred into the chicken's liquid after steaming.
How can I thicken the chicken sauce?
You can boil the liquid rapidly for 3-4 minutes or add a teaspoon of cornflour mixed with water.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the final dish with fresh mint leaves.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 30 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 70 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What oils are used in this recipe?
Sunflower oil is used for both the chicken and the couscous preparation.
Does the recipe use butter?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of butter is used to cook the chicken.
How much couscous is needed?
The recipe requires 350 grams of couscous.
What type of sugar is added to the couscous?
Two teaspoons of caster sugar are added to the couscous mixture.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 finely chopped onions.
Is garlic used in this dish?
Yes, 2 crushed garlic cloves are included in the chicken skillet.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe utilizes 22 different ingredients.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The recipe describes the chicken as tender and cooked in an aromatic blend.
How do you serve the dish?
Place the couscous on a plate, arrange the chicken on top, and drizzle with the thickened sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as a perfect cozy dinner for four with sophisticated flavors.