Spiced Grilled Moroccan Chicken with Herb Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this Spiced Grilled Moroccan Chicken. Marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh herbs and aromatic spices, this dish infuses each bite with the bold and exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight family dinner, this chicken is juicy, tender, and pairs beautifully with couscous or a refreshing salad. Gather your friends and family to share this delightful dish that's not only delicious but also easy to prepare!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (Best quality, used for marinating)
Chopped scallion
1/4 cup (White part only)
Chopped parsley
1/4 cup (Fresh)
Chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (Fresh)
Minced garlic
1 tablespoon (Freshly minced)
Paprika
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Ground cumin
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Table salt)
Turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (Trimmed and ready for grilling)
Instructions
1
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the extra virgin olive oil, chopped scallions (white part only), chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, salt, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
2
Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating an aromatic marinade.
3
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag, and generously rub the marinade over both sides of each chicken breast.
4
Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and ensure the grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
6
Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has beautiful grill marks.
7
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
21.25g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
27g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Grilled Moroccan Chicken?
Spiced Grilled Moroccan Chicken is a dish of boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh herbs and aromatic spices like cumin and paprika, then grilled to a juicy and tender finish.
What are the main ingredients for the herb marinade?
The marinade consists of extra virgin olive oil, chopped scallions (white part), fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, salt, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
How long should I marinate the Moroccan chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the grill?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly while developing beautiful grill marks.
What is the safe internal temperature for the grilled chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving of this Spiced Grilled Moroccan Chicken.
Is this Moroccan chicken recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, this recipe is very low in carbs, containing only 1.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving of this grilled chicken provides 27g of protein.
What part of the scallion is used in the marinade?
The recipe specifically calls for the white part only of the chopped scallions.
Can I use a food processor to make the marinade?
Yes, the instructions recommend combining all marinade ingredients in a food processor and blending until the mixture is smooth.
How long does it take to grill the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts typically take 5 to 7 minutes per side on a medium-high grill.
Should I let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to help retain its juices.
What are some suggested side dishes for this chicken?
This Moroccan chicken pairs beautifully with couscous or a refreshing side salad.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes cayenne pepper and paprika, giving it a mild to moderate spice level that is bold but not overwhelming.
What type of oil is best for the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe require?
This recipe is designed for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What herbs are used in the marinade?
Freshly chopped parsley and fresh cilantro are the primary herbs used in this Moroccan marinade.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, you can use chicken thighs, though you may need to adjust the grilling time.
What spices give this dish its Moroccan flavor?
The Moroccan flavor profile comes from the combination of ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the marinated chicken on the heat.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight family dinner.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 21.25g of fat, largely from the extra virgin olive oil.
Can I marinate the chicken for more than 2 hours?
The recipe suggests up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor; marinating significantly longer may affect the texture of the meat.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, it calls for one tablespoon of freshly minced garlic.
How should I garnish the finished dish?
You can garnish the warm chicken with additional fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra color and flavor.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe lists table salt as the preparation for the 1 teaspoon of salt required.
Is the chicken skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed (chicken, oil, herbs, and spices), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can blend the marinade ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you are ready to marinate the chicken.