Spiced Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Summer Squash and Green Olives
Embark on a culinary journey with this delightful Moroccan-inspired dish featuring succulent boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a fragrant blend of spices. The spices, reminiscent of traditional ras-al-hanut, infuse the chicken with a rich, exotic flavor that is both bold and inviting. Combined with tender summer squash and briny green olives, this dish offers a vibrant medley of textures and tastes, invigorated by the freshness of lemon juice and parsley. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, it celebrates the essence of North African cuisine while being approachable and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
182.5
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
24 ounces (cut into 4 pieces of 2 ounces each)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (ground)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
allspice
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
lemon
1 (zest and juice)
extra virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons (divided)
onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
summer squash
3/4 pound (thinly sliced crosswise)
pitted green olives
1/3 cup (sliced or halved)
water
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper until they are about 1/4 inches thick to ensure even cooking.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground black pepper, allspice, salt, and cayenne pepper. Zest the lemon directly into the spice mixture, then squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir in 3 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil until well combined, creating a fragrant wet rub.
3
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the chicken pieces generously with the spice rub. Add the chicken to the skillet (working in batches if necessary) and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is blackened on the outside and fully cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
4
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
5
Stir in the sliced summer squash, green olives, and 2 tablespoons of water. Season lightly with additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
6
Cover the skillet and cook the mixture until the squash is tender, about 4-5 minutes. After cooking, remove the pan from heat, and top it all with a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
7
Serve the spiced chicken alongside the sautéed squash and olives for a beautifully colorful presentation that’s sure to impress.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Moroccan Lemon Chicken?
This is a Moroccan-inspired dish featuring succulent boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a fragrant spice blend, served with summer squash and green olives.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into four 2-ounce pieces.
How should I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper until they are about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
What spices are in the Moroccan wet rub?
The rub includes ground cumin, ground ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, salt, and cayenne pepper.
How is the lemon used in this dish?
The lemon is used for its zest and juice in the spice rub, and additional fresh juice is splashed over the finished dish.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe uses extra virgin olive oil, specifically 4 teaspoons divided between the rub and the skillet.
How long should the chicken be cooked?
Cook the chicken in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
What should the cooked chicken look like?
The chicken should be blackened on the outside and fully cooked through.
How should I keep the chicken warm while finishing the vegetables?
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover it with foil to retain its heat.
How do I prepare the onions?
One small onion should be thinly sliced and sautéed in the skillet for about 3 minutes.
What kind of squash is used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 pound of summer squash, thinly sliced crosswise.
What type of olives are included?
Use 1/3 cup of pitted green olives, which can be either sliced or halved.
Why is water added to the skillet with the vegetables?
Two tablespoons of water are added to help steam and tenderize the squash and olives under a cover.
How long does it take to cook the squash?
The squash should be covered and cooked for about 4-5 minutes until tender.
What herb is used for the garnish?
The dish is topped with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 182.5 calories.
How much protein does this dish provide?
There are 17 grams of protein in this Moroccan chicken dish.
What is the total fat content?
The dish contains 8.75 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 8.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, quick meal that features lean protein and vegetables.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a bold flavor profile with a slight kick from black pepper and cayenne pepper, but it remains approachable.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 15 ingredients used in this recipe, including the chicken, vegetables, and spices.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
Start with medium-high heat for the chicken, then reduce to medium for the onions and squash.
What is the inspiration for the spice blend?
The blend is reminiscent of traditional ras-al-hanut, a complex North African spice mixture.
How should the summer squash be sliced?
The squash should be thinly sliced crosswise into rounds.
Can I use a wooden spoon for cooking?
Yes, the instructions suggest using a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly dish that is both colorful and satisfying.
What is the texture of the finished squash?
The squash should be tender but not mushy after being sautéed and steamed.
How much lemon juice is used in the spice rub?
Use 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice in the wet rub mixture.
Does this recipe contain allspice?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice as part of the spice medley.