Description
Warm, bold, and incredibly comforting, this Moroccan Chicken Stew is a one-pot meal that brings North African spice and flavor right into your kitchen. Perfect for a quick dinner, easy meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal, it’s packed with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Serve it with couscous, rice, or crusty bread for a satisfying and flavorful experience. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, healthy comfort food, or a bold twist on a classic stew, this easy recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1.5 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice or 1/2 preserved lemon, chopped
Instructions
1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Drain tomatoes and chickpeas. Measure spices.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and golden.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add cumin, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Toast for 30 seconds to release flavors.
5. Add chicken to the pot, stir to coat with spices. Cook until lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes.
6. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
7. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Add chickpeas in the last 10 minutes if using. Adjust salt, pepper, and add lemon or preserved lemon.
9. Once chicken is tender and sauce thickens, remove from heat.
10. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
Notes
For richer flavor, use chicken thighs and simmer gently to avoid drying out the meat.
Adjust spices to your preference—add more cinnamon for warmth or harissa for heat.
This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg