Moroccan Spiced Chicken Thighs with Almonds and Raisins
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Morocco with this delightful recipe for spiced chicken thighs. Marinated in a harmony of garlic, ginger, and warm spices, these tender and juicy chicken thighs are beautifully paired with sweet potatoes and golden raisins, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Slowly cooked to perfection, this dish is ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Serve it over fluffy couscous or rice to soak up the fragrant sauce, and garnish with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro for a delightful crunch and freshness. Enjoy a taste of Morocco right at home!
6
Servings
533
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (None)
garlic cloves
4 (chopped)
fresh ginger
2 tablespoons (minced)
ground turmeric or mild curry powder
2 teaspoons (None)
cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon
1 (stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground)
whole canned tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (None)
boneless skinless chicken thighs
12 (None)
large sweet potato
1 (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
golden raisins or currants
1/4 cup (None)
water
4 cups (None)
kosher salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (None)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (None)
toasted sliced almonds
as needed (for garnish)
fresh cilantro
as needed (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped garlic, minced ginger, turmeric, and stick of cinnamon. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant.
3
Pour in the canned tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.
4
Introduce the boneless chicken thighs to the pot, along with the sweet potato cubes and golden raisins. Stir well to combine.
5
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender.
6
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and coarsely shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the lemon juice, mixing well.
7
Serve the warm chicken dish over cooked couscous or rice, and sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
67g
Carbs
37g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Moroccan Spiced Chicken Thighs with Almonds and Raisins.
How many servings does this chicken recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 533 calories.
What type of chicken is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs.
How long should the chicken simmer?
The chicken should simmer for 25 to 35 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
What are the primary Moroccan spices used in this recipe?
The recipe uses garlic, fresh ginger, turmeric (or mild curry powder), and cinnamon.
How much ginger is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of minced fresh ginger.
Can I substitute the turmeric?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of mild curry powder instead of ground turmeric.
What size of canned tomatoes is needed?
The recipe requires one 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes.
How should the sweet potato be prepared?
The sweet potato should be peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces.
What is a good alternative to golden raisins?
You can use currants as a substitute for golden raisins.
How do you prepare the chicken after it is cooked?
The chicken is removed from the pot and coarsely shredded using two forks before being returned to the sauce.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 37g of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and fiber counts?
There are 67g of carbohydrates and 5g of fiber per serving.
What should this dish be served over?
It is recommended to serve the chicken over cooked couscous or rice.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
The dish is garnished with toasted sliced almonds and chopped fresh cilantro.
How much vegetable oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 4 garlic cloves should be chopped.
How long do you sauté the spices and aromatics?
Sauté the garlic, ginger, and spices for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
How much water is added to the pot?
The recipe requires 4 cups of water.
When is the lemon juice added?
One tablespoon of lemon juice is stirred in at the end after the chicken has been shredded.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of a stick?
Yes, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead of one cinnamon stick.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
How long do the tomatoes cook before adding the chicken?
The tomatoes should cook for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the mixture to thicken.
What kind of salt is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, the description notes it is ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.
How many total ingredients are listed for this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total.
What provides the sweet balance in this savory dish?
The sweet potatoes and golden raisins provide the sweet balance.
Does the recipe provide sodium or cholesterol information?
No, the sodium and cholesterol values are not provided in the nutrition facts.