Moroccan Spiced Chicken Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of North Africa with this Moroccan Spiced Chicken Delight. Marinated and coated in a fragrant spice blend, this dish brings a delightful warmth to your dinner table. The aromatic combination of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken breasts, making it a perfect centerpiece for a family meal. Serve it with fluffy couscous, aromatic rice pilaf, or even steamed baby potatoes to soak up the rich flavors. This versatile spice mix can also elevate fish dishes or add an exotic twist to your regular rice. Enjoy a taste of Morocco in the comfort of your home!
N/A
Servings
170
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 large (trimmed and pounded to even thickness)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for brushing the chicken)
oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
orange rind
1 tablespoon (finely grated)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
ground coriander
1 teaspoon
ground ginger
1 teaspoon
chili powder
1 teaspoon
dried parsley
1 teaspoon
lemon pepper
1 teaspoon
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
sugar
1/2 teaspoon
ground cloves
1 pinch
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, coriander, ginger, chili powder, dried parsley, lemon pepper, cinnamon, salt, sugar, and ground cloves to create the spice mix. Mix well and set aside.
2
Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides and then sprinkle the spice mix generously onto the chicken, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
4
Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to avoid overcooking.
5
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
6
Serve warm with your choice of couscous, rice, or steamed potatoes, and garnish with fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon if desired.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
3g
Carbs
30g
Protein
0.75g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan Spiced Chicken Delight?
Moroccan Spiced Chicken Delight is a North African inspired dish featuring chicken breasts marinated in a fragrant blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
What spices are used in the Moroccan spice mix?
The spice mix consists of ground cumin, coriander, ginger, chili powder, dried parsley, lemon pepper, cinnamon, salt, sugar, and a pinch of ground cloves.
How long should I cook the chicken breasts?
Cook the chicken for approximately 4 minutes per side in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
What is the safe internal temperature for this chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is cooked through and safe to eat.
What are some recommended side dishes for this recipe?
This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy couscous, aromatic rice pilaf, or steamed baby potatoes.
Can the Moroccan spice mix be used for other proteins?
Yes, the versatile spice mix can also be used to elevate fish dishes or add an exotic twist to regular rice.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories.
Is this recipe a good source of protein?
Yes, it is high in protein, providing 30g per serving.
What is the fat content of this Moroccan chicken recipe?
The recipe contains about 3.75g of fat per serving.
How much sugar is in the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Delight?
There is approximately 1g of sugar per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
This recipe is low in carbs, containing only 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been trimmed and pounded to an even thickness.
Why should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Resting the chicken for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains moist and flavorful.
What role does the orange rind play in the recipe?
Finely grated orange rind adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the warm Moroccan spices.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Is the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Delight spicy?
The recipe includes chili powder and lemon pepper, providing a delightful warmth and spice, though it is balanced by other aromatic spices.
How do I prepare the spice coating?
In a small bowl, combine all the dry spices, salt, and sugar, mixing well before applying to the oil-brushed chicken.
What type of oil is used for the chicken?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil for brushing the chicken and 1 tablespoon of oil for sautéing in the skillet.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There is approximately 0.75g of fiber per serving.
What garnish is recommended?
You can garnish the dish with fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon for extra brightness.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 14 total ingredients, including the various spices and the chicken itself.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, with its high protein and low calorie count, it is tagged as a healthy meal option.
What tags define this recipe's flavor profile?
The recipe is tagged as Moroccan, North African, and spicy.
How should I apply the spice mix to the chicken?
Brush the chicken with olive oil first, then sprinkle the spice mix generously and evenly on both sides.
What heat level should I use for sautéing?
The chicken should be sautéed over medium heat to ensure it browns nicely without burning the spices.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried parsley?
The spice mix uses 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
What is the purpose of pounding the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that all parts of the breast cook at the same rate.
How much salt is used in the spice blend?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt for the spice mixture.
Why is sugar included in the spice mix?
A small amount of sugar (1/2 teaspoon) helps balance the spices and can assist with caramelization during cooking.
Can I serve this chicken cold?
While it is best served warm, the flavorful spiced chicken can also be sliced and served cold on salads.