Exotic Moroccan Chicken & Butternut Stew
Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this Exotic Moroccan Chicken & Butternut Stew. This delicious, aromatic dish combines tender chicken thighs with sweet butternut squash, hearty chickpeas, and green peas, all simmered in a fragrant broth enriched with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne. With the added sweetness of raisins and the umami depth from tomato paste, each bite is a delightful exploration of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Serve it over fluffy couscous or rice, or alongside warm toasted whole wheat pita to soak up the delicious juices, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
4
Servings
260
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken broth
2 cups (None)
Tomato paste
1/4 cup (None)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Raisins
1/2 cup (None)
Onion
1 medium (Sliced thin)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced fresh)
Butternut squash
2 lbs (Peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks (about 5 cups))
Frozen green peas
2 cups (None)
Chickpeas
1 (16 ounce) can (Drained and rinsed)
Skinless chicken thighs
4 (Skin and visible fat removed (about 1 1/3 pounds))
Instructions
1
In a large 4 to 5 quart pot, whisk together the chicken broth and tomato paste until smooth.
2
Add the ground cumin, salt, cayenne red pepper, and ground cinnamon, stirring until the mixture is well combined.
3
Incorporate the raisins, sliced onion, minced garlic, butternut squash chunks, frozen peas, drained chickpeas, and the chicken thighs into the pot.
4
Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the chicken is well submerged in the broth.
5
Bring the stew to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
6
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the butternut squash is fork-tender and the chicken is cooked through, with juices running clear when pierced with a knife.
7
Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
8
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve warm over couscous or rice, or pair it with toasted pita bread.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
22g
Protein
4.5g
Fiber
7.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Exotic Moroccan Chicken & Butternut Stew?
It is a vibrant, aromatic Moroccan-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs, sweet butternut squash, chickpeas, and green peas simmered in a spiced broth with cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this Moroccan stew?
Each serving contains approximately 260 calories.
What are the primary spices used in this recipe?
The stew is flavored with ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and ground red pepper (cayenne).
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 skinless chicken thighs with skin and visible fat removed, totaling about 1 1/3 pounds.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The stew should simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the squash is fork-tender and the chicken is cooked through.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The stew includes butternut squash, sliced onion, frozen green peas, and chickpeas.
How should the butternut squash be prepared?
The butternut squash should be peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks, totaling about 5 cups.
What gives the stew its subtle sweetness?
The sweetness comes from the addition of 1/2 cup of raisins and the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides 22g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much fiber is in this dish?
This dish contains 4.5g of fiber per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for one serving?
There are 32.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the Exotic Moroccan Chicken & Butternut Stew?
There are 7.5g of sugar per serving.
What size pot is recommended for cooking?
A large 4 to 5 quart pot is recommended for this recipe.
What should I serve with this Moroccan stew?
It is excellent served over fluffy couscous or rice, or with toasted whole wheat pita bread.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
You should use 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic.
Do I need to cook the chickpeas before adding them?
No, you can use a 16-ounce can of chickpeas, just ensure they are drained and rinsed before adding to the pot.
How should the onions be cut?
One medium onion should be sliced thin.
Can I use chicken broth in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 cups of chicken broth.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to whisk together the chicken broth and tomato paste in a large pot until smooth.
Is this stew considered spicy?
It has a mild heat from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, balanced by sweet and savory notes.
Are the peas added fresh or frozen?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of frozen green peas.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
Tomato paste provides umami depth and enriches the broth.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is tagged for healthy eating and features lean protein and several vegetables.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of salt added during the spice mixing stage.
How should I serve the stew for the best experience?
Ladle it into bowls while warm and serve it with a starch to soak up the aromatic juices.
Can this be a weeknight dinner?
Yes, with a 25-30 minute simmer time, it is a practical and hearty choice for a weeknight meal.
Is this stew gluten-free?
The stew ingredients themselves can be gluten-free, but ensure your broth and sides (like pita or couscous) meet your dietary needs.