Savory Grilled Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers
Indulge in the rich flavors of North Africa with these Savory Grilled Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers. Marinated overnight in a luscious blend of honey, toasted sesame seeds, aromatic spices, and zesty lemon, these succulent chicken thighs are perfect for a summer BBQ or an exotic dinner party. Paired with fragrant couscous embellished with crunchy almonds and sweet raisins, this dish transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Morocco. Enjoy with friends and family as a delightful main course that promises to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Honey
1/4 cup (Gently warmed)
Sesame Seeds
6 tablespoons (Toasted and ground; reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish)
Ground Cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (Used as is)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (Used as is)
Mild Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (Used as is)
Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (Used as is)
Boneless Chicken Thighs
12 thighs (about 2 1/2 lb.) (Trimmed and ready for skewering)
Salt
to taste (Used as seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (Used as seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Prepare the marinade by gently warming the honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until it flows easily. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they begin to pop, taking care not to burn them.
2
2. Set aside approximately 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds for garnish. Grind the remaining sesame seeds using a spice mill or mortar and pestle until fine.
3
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, cinnamon, cumin, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice with the warmed honey, stirring until well mixed.
4
4. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow nonreactive container or a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the container or seal the bag and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
5
5. On the day of cooking, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat your grill or broiler.
6
6. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the leftovers for basting. Thread three boneless thighs onto each skewer, then lightly season with salt and pepper.
7
7. Grill or broil the chicken skewers, basting frequently with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and displays a nice char, about 4 minutes on each side.
8
8. Before serving, sprinkle the skewers with the reserved toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious Moroccan-inspired dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers?
The dish features a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile from a blend of honey, toasted sesame seeds, cinnamon, cumin, and fresh lemon juice.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless chicken thighs are recommended because they remain succulent and juicy during the grilling process.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, the chicken should be marinated in the refrigerator overnight to allow the spices to fully penetrate the meat.
How do I prepare the sesame seeds for the marinade?
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet until they begin to pop, then grind most of them into a fine powder, reserving some for garnish.
How do I prepare the honey for the marinade?
Gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until it flows easily before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I cook these skewers if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can use a broiler as an alternative to a grill to achieve a similar charred effect.
What is a recommended side dish for these skewers?
Fragrant couscous with crunchy almonds and sweet raisins is the perfect Moroccan-inspired pairing.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need approximately 12 boneless chicken thighs, which is about 2.5 pounds.
How many chicken thighs should I put on each skewer?
The recipe recommends threading three boneless chicken thighs onto each skewer.
How long do the chicken skewers need to cook?
Grill or broil the skewers for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Should I bast the chicken while it is cooking?
Yes, basting frequently with the reserved marinade helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
Mild olive oil is used to help bind the spices and honey together.
Do I need to let the chicken rest before grilling?
The chicken should be removed from the refrigerator and allowed to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
What seasonings are added right before grilling?
Lightly season the skewers with salt and pepper after they have been threaded.
What is the origin of the flavors in this dish?
The flavors are inspired by the vibrant streets of Morocco and North African cuisine.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer BBQ?
Yes, these skewers are perfect for a summer BBQ or an exotic dinner party.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the most zesty and aromatic results.
What kind of container should I use for marinating?
Use a shallow nonreactive container or a large resealable plastic bag.
How do I grind the toasted sesame seeds?
You can use a spice mill or a mortar and pestle to grind the seeds until they are fine.
When should I apply the sesame seed garnish?
Sprinkle the reserved toasted sesame seeds over the skewers immediately before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 9 main ingredients, including the chicken and spices.
Is the marinade spicy?
No, the marinade is aromatic and savory rather than spicy, using cinnamon and cumin.
What creates the 'char' on the chicken?
The high heat of the grill or broiler, combined with the honey in the marinade, creates a delicious char.
Can I substitute chicken thighs with breasts?
While thighs are recommended for juiciness, you can use breasts, though you should monitor them closely to prevent drying out.
What is the first step in making the marinade?
The first step is warming the honey and toasting the sesame seeds.
Do I use ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Why is honey used in the marinade?
Honey provides a luscious texture and helps the marinade caramelize on the grill.
How much sesame seed is reserved for garnish?
Approximately 2 tablespoons of the toasted sesame seeds should be set aside for garnish.
How many skewers does this recipe make?
Based on 12 thighs and 3 per skewer, this recipe typically makes 4 large skewers.
Is this considered an easy dinner recipe?
Yes, it is described as an easy dinner that promises to impress with exotic flavors.