Top 30 Moroccan Chicken Recipes of 2024: Tasty & Easy

When I think about comfort food that’s full of flavor, Moroccan chicken dishes instantly come to mind. Moroccan cuisine is a beautiful fusion of aromatic spices, hearty ingredients, and slow-cooked perfection. Chicken, being a staple protein in many Moroccan dishes, takes on incredible depth thanks to the mix of ingredients like cumin, coriander, saffron, and preserved lemons.

Whether it’s a comforting tagine or a zesty grilled chicken, these recipes bring warmth and a little bit of adventure to the dinner table. I’ve rounded up some of the best Moroccan chicken recipes that I’ve had the pleasure of cooking and enjoying. These are guaranteed to transport you straight to the heart of Morocco, all without leaving your kitchen!

1. Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons

This classic dish is a hallmark of Moroccan cuisine. The preserved lemons add a bright, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the tender chicken.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, preserved lemons, green olives, garlic, onions, saffron, cumin, coriander, parsley
• Instructions: In a tagine or heavy-bottomed pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add chicken, spices, and saffron. Cook for 10 minutes. Stir in preserved lemons and olives. Cover and simmer for 1 hour until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
• Nutrition per serving: 350 calories, 12g fat, 25g protein, 10g carbs

2. Grilled Moroccan Chicken with Harissa

For a simple weeknight meal, this grilled Moroccan chicken brings the heat with Harissa—a spicy, smoky North African chili paste.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, Harissa, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin
• Instructions: Marinate chicken in a mixture of Harissa, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin for 2 hours. Grill over medium heat until cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.
• Nutrition per serving: 320 calories, 15g fat, 30g protein, 5g carbs

3. Moroccan Chicken with Apricots

This recipe balances savory and sweet, with the chicken soaking up the juices from the apricots and spices like cinnamon and ginger.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, dried apricots, cinnamon, ginger, onions, garlic, chicken broth
• Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add chicken and brown on all sides. Add cinnamon, ginger, and apricots, then pour in broth. Simmer for 45 minutes until chicken is tender and apricots plump.
• Nutrition per serving: 390 calories, 10g fat, 35g protein, 20g carbs

4. Moroccan Lemon Chicken Skewers

Perfect for grilling season, these skewers are tangy, zesty, and loaded with lemony goodness.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, lemon zest, garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil, lemon juice
• Instructions: Marinate chicken cubes in lemon zest, garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil, and lemon juice for at least an hour. Skewer and grill until charred and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
• Nutrition per serving: 290 calories, 12g fat, 28g protein, 4g carbs

5. Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Rice

A one-pot wonder that’s perfect for feeding the family. The rice soaks up all the savory juices from the chicken and spices.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, basmati rice, cumin, turmeric, paprika, onions, garlic, chicken broth
• Instructions: Brown chicken thighs in a large pot. Remove and sauté onions, garlic, and spices. Stir in rice and broth, then nestle chicken on top. Simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
• Nutrition per serving: 450 calories, 15g fat, 30g protein, 40g carbs

6. Moroccan Chicken Soup

Hearty and comforting, this soup is perfect for colder days with its blend of chickpeas, tomatoes, and warming spices.

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander
• Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic, then add chicken and cook until browned. Add spices, tomatoes, and chickpeas. Simmer for 30 minutes until the soup is rich and flavorful.
• Nutrition per serving: 280 calories, 7g fat, 30g protein, 20g carbs

7. Moroccan Chicken Stew with Dates

This slow-cooked stew has the sweetness of dates and the warmth of cinnamon, making it a perfect dish for a special occasion.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, dates, cinnamon, onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, chicken broth
• Instructions: Brown the chicken, then set aside. Sauté onions and garlic, add spices, and return the chicken to the pot along with dates and broth. Simmer for 1 hour until chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
• Nutrition per serving: 400 calories, 12g fat, 32g protein, 25g carbs

8. Moroccan Chicken Couscous Salad

A fresh and light option, this couscous salad is packed with herbs and topped with juicy grilled chicken.

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, couscous, parsley, mint, cucumbers, tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil
• Instructions: Grill the chicken and let it rest. Meanwhile, prepare the couscous and toss with herbs, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Top with sliced chicken.
• Nutrition per serving: 350 calories, 10g fat, 28g protein, 35g carbs

9. Moroccan Chicken Meatballs

Tender, spiced chicken meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce make for a comforting meal.

• Ingredients: Ground chicken, garlic, cumin, coriander, parsley, eggs, bread crumbs, tomato sauce
• Instructions: Mix ground chicken with spices, parsley, eggs, and bread crumbs. Form into meatballs and brown in a skillet. Pour over tomato sauce and simmer for 20 minutes until cooked through.
• Nutrition per serving: 300 calories, 12g fat, 25g protein, 15g carbs

10. Moroccan Chicken and Lentil Salad

Protein-packed and full of earthy spices, this salad is perfect for a healthy and filling lunch.

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, lentils, cumin, coriander, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil
• Instructions: Grill chicken breast and let it rest. Meanwhile, cook lentils until tender. Toss lentils with parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Top with sliced chicken.
• Nutrition per serving: 320 calories, 9g fat, 30g protein, 25g carbs

11. Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Almonds

This luxurious dish combines tender chicken with the crunch of toasted almonds and the sweetness of dried fruit, making for a feast-worthy meal.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, almonds, dried apricots, honey, cinnamon, saffron, onions, garlic, chicken broth
• Instructions: Brown chicken thighs, set aside. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices, then add chicken back to the pan along with apricots and honey. Simmer for 45 minutes. Top with toasted almonds before serving.
• Nutrition per serving: 420 calories, 14g fat, 30g protein, 22g carbs

12. Moroccan Chicken Bastilla

Bastilla is a traditional Moroccan pastry filled with spiced chicken and wrapped in delicate layers of phyllo dough. It’s a bit of work, but worth every bite!

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, phyllo dough, almonds, eggs, cinnamon, saffron, butter
• Instructions: Cook chicken with spices until tender, then shred. Mix with beaten eggs and almonds. Layer phyllo dough, adding the chicken mixture, and bake until golden and crispy.
• Nutrition per serving: 480 calories, 20g fat, 35g protein, 30g carbs

13. Moroccan Chicken Kebabs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

These flavorful kebabs are served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce that adds a cooling contrast to the spice.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt
• Instructions: Marinate chicken in spices, garlic, and lemon juice for 2 hours. Skewer and grill until charred. Serve with a sauce made from Greek yogurt and minced garlic.
• Nutrition per serving: 340 calories, 10g fat, 30g protein, 10g carbs

14. Moroccan Chicken and Chickpea Stew

This hearty stew is packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, while the chicken adds richness and flavor.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, chickpeas, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, garlic, onions, chicken broth
• Instructions: Brown chicken thighs, set aside. Sauté onions and garlic, then add tomatoes, spices, and chickpeas. Simmer for 40 minutes until everything is tender.
• Nutrition per serving: 390 calories, 12g fat, 30g protein, 30g carbs

15. Moroccan Chicken Salad with Oranges

This refreshing salad combines spiced chicken with juicy oranges and a light vinaigrette, making it perfect for a summer meal.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, cumin, paprika, oranges, arugula, olive oil, lemon juice
• Instructions: Grill spiced chicken and slice. Toss arugula with orange segments, olive oil, and lemon juice, then top with the sliced chicken.
• Nutrition per serving: 280 calories, 8g fat, 25g protein, 15g carbs

16. Moroccan Chicken with Figs

Sweet figs and warm spices come together in this slow-cooked dish, making it ideal for a special dinner.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, figs, cinnamon, ginger, onions, garlic, chicken broth
• Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic, then brown the chicken. Add figs, cinnamon, and broth, and simmer for 1 hour until the chicken is tender and the figs are soft.
• Nutrition per serving: 410 calories, 14g fat, 32g protein, 25g carbs

17. Moroccan Chicken with Couscous

A quick and easy dish, this chicken is served over fluffy couscous and packed with flavor from the Moroccan spices.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, couscous, cumin, paprika, garlic, onions, chicken broth
• Instructions: Brown the chicken, then set aside. Sauté onions and garlic, then stir in spices and couscous. Add broth and chicken, cover, and cook until the couscous is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
• Nutrition per serving: 380 calories, 12g fat, 30g protein, 35g carbs

18. Moroccan Chicken with Saffron Rice

This dish uses fragrant saffron rice as a base for tender, spiced chicken, making it both colorful and delicious.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, saffron, basmati rice, garlic, onions, chicken broth, cumin
• Instructions: Cook rice with saffron and chicken broth. Grill chicken with cumin and garlic. Serve chicken over saffron rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
• Nutrition per serving: 360 calories, 10g fat, 28g protein, 40g carbs

19. Moroccan Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

This dish pairs juicy chicken with a medley of roasted vegetables, making for a healthy and filling meal.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, carrots, zucchini, red bell peppers, cumin, paprika, olive oil
• Instructions: Toss vegetables with olive oil and spices, then roast at 400°F for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, brown chicken and roast alongside vegetables until cooked through.
• Nutrition per serving: 370 calories, 14g fat, 28g protein, 30g carbs

20. Moroccan Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine

The sweetness of the potatoes and the depth of the spices make this a standout dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, onions, chicken broth
• Instructions: Brown the chicken, then set aside. Sauté onions and garlic, then add sweet potatoes, spices, and broth. Simmer for 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
• Nutrition per serving: 400 calories, 13g fat, 30g protein, 35g carbs

21. Moroccan Chicken with Pistachios

This unique dish adds a nutty twist with pistachios, giving the chicken an extra layer of texture and flavor.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, pistachios, cumin, paprika, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil
• Instructions: Pulse pistachios with spices and garlic in a food processor. Coat chicken breasts with the mixture and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
• Nutrition per serving: 350 calories, 15g fat, 30g protein, 8g carbs

22. Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Peppers

A quick stir-fry of spiced chicken and bell peppers, this dish is perfect for a fast and flavorful weeknight meal.

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, red and yellow bell peppers, cumin, paprika, garlic, olive oil
• Instructions: Sauté chicken and peppers in olive oil with garlic and spices until the chicken is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
• Nutrition per serving: 310 calories, 9g fat, 28g protein, 12g carbs

23. Moroccan Chicken and Carrot Stew

The natural sweetness of carrots pairs perfectly with the warm Moroccan spices in this hearty stew.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, carrots, onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, chicken broth
• Instructions: Brown the chicken, set aside. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots, then stir in spices. Add chicken and broth, simmer for 45 minutes until tender.
• Nutrition per serving: 370 calories, 12g fat, 28g protein, 30g carbs

24. Moroccan Chicken with Chickpeas and Spinach

This healthy, one-pot meal is full of protein, fiber, and greens, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, chickpeas, spinach, garlic, cumin, paprika, chicken broth
• Instructions: Brown chicken, set aside. Sauté garlic, then add chickpeas, spinach, and spices. Return chicken to the pot and simmer until the spinach is wilted and everything is cooked through.
• Nutrition per serving: 320 calories, 10g fat, 28g protein, 20g carbs

25. Moroccan Lemon Chicken

This zesty dish is bursting with the bright flavors of lemon and spices, making it a refreshing option for dinner.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil
• Instructions: Marinate chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and spices for 2 hours. Grill or bake until cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.
• Nutrition per serving: 300 calories, 9g fat, 28g protein, 6g carbs

26. Moroccan Chicken with Tomatoes

A simple yet flavorful dish, this recipe combines chicken with juicy tomatoes and a variety of warm spices.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, tomatoes, garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil
• Instructions: Sauté garlic and spices in olive oil, then add chicken and tomatoes. Simmer for 40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are soft.
• Nutrition per serving: 340 calories, 11g fat, 28g protein, 10g carbs

27. Moroccan Chicken with Almond Couscous

This dish pairs tender chicken with couscous studded with almonds, making for a meal that’s both crunchy and tender.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, couscous, almonds, garlic, cumin, chicken broth
• Instructions: Grill the chicken and set aside. Prepare couscous with chicken broth and toasted almonds, then serve with sliced chicken on top.
• Nutrition per serving: 360 calories, 12g fat, 28g protein, 30g carbs

28. Moroccan Chicken and Eggplant Tagine

The eggplant soaks up all the delicious flavors of the chicken and spices in this rich, comforting dish.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, eggplant, onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, chicken broth
• Instructions: Brown the chicken, then set aside. Sauté onions, garlic, and eggplant, then stir in spices. Add chicken and broth, simmer for 45 minutes until tender.
• Nutrition per serving: 370 calories, 13g fat, 28g protein, 30g carbs

29. Moroccan Chicken with Raisins and Pine Nuts

The sweetness of raisins and the crunch of pine nuts give this dish a unique texture and flavor.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, raisins, pine nuts, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, chicken broth
• Instructions: Brown chicken, set aside. Sauté garlic, then add spices, raisins, and pine nuts. Return chicken to the pot with broth and simmer until cooked through.
• Nutrition per serving: 410 calories, 14g fat, 30g protein, 20g carbs

30. Moroccan Chicken with Pomegranate

This sweet and tangy dish combines chicken with the vibrant flavor of pomegranate, making it a visually stunning and delicious meal.

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, pomegranate seeds, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, olive oil
• Instructions: Grill chicken and top with pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of lemon juice before serving.
• Nutrition per serving: 320 calories, 9g fat, 28g protein, 12g carbs

These are just a few of my favorite Moroccan chicken recipes that I love making. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these dishes are sure to impress with their bold flavors and comforting vibes.