Moroccan Style Chicken Stew

Moroccan Style Chicken Stew combines the flavours of Morocco in a single dish. This simple recipe combines chicken with both vegetables and fruit to create an amazingly tasty main dish. The aromas from this recipe will having your family queuing waiting for it to come out of the slow cooker. This is a dish that is ideal for busy families  and those on the go. I normally serve this one of two ways. One, with a plate of fresh warm bread for dunking and mopping. Two, on a bed of fluffy rice to absorb the flavours. This is best if there are more people than planned as the recipe goes further.

Moroccan Chicken Stew is a dish that offers a rich and aromatic journey through the vibrant flavours of North Africa. This comforting and hearty stew combines tender chicken thighs with a medley of ingredients that create a harmonious balance of sweet, savoury, and spicy notes. Let’s delve into the components that make this dish so special and why it’s a beloved favourite.

At the heart of this stew are chicken thighs. Known for their succulent texture and rich flavour, chicken thighs are ideal for slow-cooked dishes like this one. They absorb the spices and other ingredients beautifully, becoming tender and juicy as they simmer.

Chickpeas are a staple in Moroccan cuisine, adding both texture and nutritional value to the stew. These legumes are rich in protein and fibre, making the dish more filling and hearty. Their mild flavour allows them to absorb the spices and seasonings, enhancing the overall taste of the stew.

Canned tomatoes provide a robust base, adding a deep, rich flavour that complements the other ingredients. Their natural acidity helps to balance the sweetness from the dried fruits, creating a well-rounded flavour profile. Tomato paste intensifies this tomato essence, contributing to the stew’s thickness and richness.

Onion and red bell pepper form the aromatic foundation of the dish. When sautéed, they release their natural sweetness, adding depth and complexity to the stew. The red bell pepper also adds a touch of colour, making the dish visually appealing.

Golden raisins and dried apricots introduce a delightful sweetness that is characteristic of Moroccan cuisine. These dried fruits plump up as they cook, infusing the stew with their natural sugars and creating a lovely contrast to the savoury elements.

Ground cumin and cayenne pepper are the primary spices that give the stew its distinctive flavour. Cumin adds a warm, earthy note, while cayenne pepper provides a subtle heat that lingers on the palate. Together, they create a spice profile that is both comforting and invigorating.

Water is used to create the broth, allowing all the flavours to meld together as the stew simmers. It helps to soften the chicken and vegetables, creating a cohesive and tender dish.

Cilantro, added towards the end, brings a fresh, herbaceous element to the stew. Its bright, citrusy notes cut through the richness of the chicken and spices, adding a refreshing finish.

Seasoning the stew with salt and ground pepper is essential to enhance all the other flavours. These basic seasonings ensure that every bite is perfectly balanced and delicious.

In conclusion, Moroccan Chicken Stew is a celebration of flavours and textures. The combination of succulent chicken thighs, hearty chickpeas, sweet dried fruits, and a blend of aromatic spices creates a dish that is both comforting and exotic. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s night or serving it to guests at a dinner party, this stew is sure to impress with its rich, layered flavours and delightful aroma. So next time you’re looking for a dish that transports you to the bustling markets of Morocco, give this Moroccan Chicken Stew a try – it’s a culinary journey you won’t forget.

Moroccan Style Chicken Stew

A superb dish of the romantic North Afircan country of Morocco.

4.69 from 47 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Moroccan

Keyword: Casserole, Chicken, Stock, Vegetables

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 856kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 30 oz chickpeas can, rinsed and drained
• 15 oz tomatoes can/drained
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper cored/chopped or green
• 1/4 cup golden raisins sultanas
• 1/4 cup Dried Apricots chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 lbs chicken thighs skinless
• cilantro chopped
• salt to taste
• ground pepper to taste

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients except the chicken thighs and cilantro in a heavy pot or slow cooker, stirring to combine.
  30 oz chickpeas, 15 oz tomatoes, 1 large onion, 1 large red bell pepper, 1/4 cup golden raisins, 1/4 cup Dried Apricots, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp water, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, salt, ground pepper
• Place the chicken thighs on top.
  2 lbs chicken thighs
• Cover tightly and bake in a preheated 300F (150C) oven, or simmer over a very low flame on the stove top, or cook in the slow cooker set on high, for 2 to 3 hours.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro.
  cilantro

Nutrition

Calories: 856kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 68g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 209mg | Sodium: 1271mg | Potassium: 632mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 24g