Flavorful Moroccan Chicken with Butternut Squash and Citrusy Prunes
Experience a taste of North Africa with this vibrant Moroccan chicken dish. Succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then simmered with the rich flavors of cinnamon, cumin, and saffron, combined with sweet butternut squash. The addition of kumquats and prunes adds a delightful sweetness and a unique citrus twist. Perfect for serving over a fluffy bed of rice or couscous, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also makes for a stunning presentation. Ideal for cozy family dinners or gatherings, it brings a warm and inviting atmosphere to any table.
4
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4
onion
1 (chopped)
butternut squash
1/2 lb (peeled, seeded, cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon
saffron thread
1/8 teaspoon
low sodium chicken broth
1 cup
kumquats
2 ounces (quartered lengthwise, seeded)
prunes
2 ounces (pitted)
honey
1 tablespoon
cooked rice or couscous
4 cups
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet, browning for approximately 7 minutes on each side until golden.
3
Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
4
Pour off excess fat from the skillet, leaving only a thin film, and add the chopped onions.
5
Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the onions until they are very tender and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
6
Add butternut squash pieces to the skillet and stir for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
7
Stir in the ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and saffron threads, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
8
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
9
Return the chicken along with any accumulated juices to the skillet and add the quartered kumquats, pitted prunes, and honey.
10
Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until completely cooked through.
11
Once the chicken is cooked, uncover the skillet and boil the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.
12
Season the dish with additional salt and pepper to taste. You can make this dish a day ahead; simply cover it and chill. Rewarm over medium heat before serving.
13
To serve, mound cooked rice or couscous on each plate and spoon the Moroccan chicken and sauce over the top.
14
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro for added color and flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
37.5
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavorful Moroccan Chicken?
It is a vibrant North African-inspired dish featuring chicken, butternut squash, kumquats, and prunes.
What are the primary spices used in this recipe?
The dish uses ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and saffron threads to create an authentic Moroccan flavor profile.
How long should I brown the chicken?
You should brown the chicken breasts for approximately 7 minutes on each side until they are golden.
What cut of chicken does this recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
What type of squash is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 pound of butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch pieces.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish a day ahead; simply cover it and chill in the refrigerator.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and rewarm over medium heat before serving.
What side dishes are recommended?
It is recommended to serve the chicken over 4 cups of cooked rice or couscous.
What are kumquats?
Kumquats are small citrus fruits that add a unique sweetness and citrusy twist to the dish.
How should the kumquats be prepared?
The kumquats should be quartered lengthwise and seeded before being added to the skillet.
What kind of chicken broth is best for this recipe?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish.
How do I thicken the Moroccan sauce?
Once the chicken is cooked, uncover the skillet and boil the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dish with balanced protein and relatively low fat content.
How long does the chicken simmer?
The chicken should simmer covered for about 30 minutes until it is completely cooked through.
What is the suggested garnish for this dish?
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of 2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped cilantro for added color and flavor.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, you can use thighs, though you may need to adjust the simmering time.
What do prunes add to the recipe?
Prunes add a delightful sweetness and a soft texture that complements the savory spices.
How much honey is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of honey.
What is the role of saffron in this dish?
Saffron threads provide a rich, aromatic flavor and a beautiful golden color to the sauce.
Can I replace the honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you could use agave or maple syrup, though honey is traditional for this type of cuisine.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 20 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much ground cinnamon is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much ground cumin is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How should the onion be cooked?
The chopped onion should be sautéed for about 10 minutes until very tender and beginning to brown.
How long should the butternut squash be sautéed?
Stir the squash in the skillet for about 2 minutes until it is slightly softened before adding spices.
Is the dish seasoned at the end?
Yes, you should season the dish with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.