Moroccan Chicken Stew
Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of Morocco with this delicious Moroccan Chicken Stew featuring tender chicken, a medley of spices, and sweet dried fruits.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs Ensure they are skinless for a healthier option.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 0.5 cup dried apricots or raisins Optional for sweetness.
- 15 oz can chickpeas, drained
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and prepare all your ingredients by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, slicing the carrots, and draining the chickpeas.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs, sprinkling them with salt and pepper. Sear each side for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes and the chicken broth, letting the mixture come together as a savory base before returning the browned chicken to the pot.
- Add the drained chickpeas and dried apricots or raisins to the pot and stir everything to combine well.
- Bring the stew to a simmer over medium heat, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 30–35 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- After 30–35 minutes, uncover the pot and allow the stew to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
For optimal flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs for added aroma.