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This One-Pot Moroccan Chicken is a warm, savory, and spiced dish that brings the bold flavors of North Africa to your table. Simmered in a fragrant blend of paprika, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric, the chicken becomes meltingly tender while olives and preserved lemons add bright and briny notes. It’s an easy, deeply flavorful meal perfect for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests. Serve it over rice, couscous, or with warm flatbread to soak up every drop of the aromatic sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cinnamon stick
1 preserved lemon, chopped (or lemon zest as substitute)
½ cup green olives
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix paprika, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, and salt. Rub the spice blend over chicken thighs. Let marinate 30 minutes if time allows.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on both sides (about 5 minutes per side), then remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onions for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
Add Liquids & Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Add diced tomatoes, cinnamon stick, and return chicken to the pot.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Finish: Stir in preserved lemon, olives, cilantro, and parsley. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is tender.
Serve: Remove cinnamon stick. Adjust salt to taste. Serve with rice, couscous, or bread, garnished with extra herbs.

Nutrients (Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~385 kcal
Protein: ~32g
Fat: ~24g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Sugar: ~4g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~870mg
Cholesterol: ~120mg

A Spice Blend That Awakens the Senses

At the heart of this dish is a Moroccan-inspired spice rub that coats the chicken and infuses it with rich, aromatic flavor. The blend of paprika, cumin, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt creates a flavor profile that’s bold yet balanced—spicy but not overpowering, savory with a touch of warmth, and deeply fragrant.

Cinnamon adds subtle sweetness, while cumin and ginger lend earthiness and depth. Turmeric brings a golden hue and gentle bitterness, contrasted beautifully by the heat of cayenne and the smoky sweetness of paprika. Together, this combination forms the flavorful backbone of the dish and transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Tender Chicken Thighs, Sear-Roasted for Maximum Flavor

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs not only ensures juicy, flavorful meat but also helps build a rich base for the sauce. Browning the chicken before simmering develops a golden crust and leaves behind flavorful bits that deepen the overall taste of the dish.

As the chicken simmers in the sauce, the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender, soaking up every note of spice, tomato, and broth. The skin softens but retains flavor, while the bone enriches the cooking liquid, creating a deeply satisfying sauce.

Aromatic Sauce Infused with North African Flair

The sauce in this one-pot dish is where the Moroccan flavors truly come to life. Onions and garlic form the base, followed by tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes that bring richness and body. Chicken broth adds savory depth, while a cinnamon stick slowly infuses the sauce with a warm sweetness that complements the other spices.

Preserved lemon, a staple in Moroccan cooking, adds brightness and complexity. Its unique tangy-salty flavor elevates the entire dish, balancing the rich sauce and earthy spices. If you can’t find preserved lemon, lemon zest provides a suitable, vibrant alternative. Green olives, added toward the end of cooking, contribute a briny pop that rounds out the dish beautifully.

One Pot, Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact

This recipe is designed to be as convenient as it is flavorful. Everything comes together in a single Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. After the initial searing and sautéing steps, the dish simmers gently on the stove, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that hints at the comforting meal to come.

There’s no need for side pots or complicated techniques. This dish is ideal for those who love full-flavored meals but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or deal with a sink full of dishes.

A Versatile Dish for All Seasons

One-Pot Moroccan Chicken is satisfying and cozy enough for cooler months but vibrant and lively enough for warm-weather meals. Its medley of spices makes it feel luxurious and nourishing without being heavy. Paired with couscous, rice, or warm flatbread, it’s a flexible meal that works year-round.

Couscous is the traditional side and complements the sauce beautifully, absorbing every drop of flavorful broth. You can also serve it with fluffy basmati rice or even quinoa for a modern twist. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well, soaking up the sauce without competing with the spices.

A Dish That Invites Creativity

Part of what makes this dish so enjoyable is its adaptability. Prefer a bit more heat? Add a touch more cayenne or a sliced chili. Want a sweeter finish? Stir in a handful of golden raisins or chopped dried apricots in the last few minutes of simmering. Want to boost the vegetables? Add in chunks of carrots or bell peppers for a more substantial stew-like feel.

You can also change up the protein—try this with bone-in chicken breasts or even lamb shoulder for a deeper, richer flavor. Chickpeas make a great vegetarian addition and increase the dish’s heartiness.

Healthful and Balanced Without Compromise

This one-pot meal delivers a great nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor. Chicken thighs offer high-quality protein and iron, while olive oil provides healthy fats. Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, and the spices contribute anti-inflammatory properties and immune-boosting benefits.

Using fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley at the end adds brightness and an extra dose of antioxidants, while preserved lemon brings vitamin C and gut-friendly fermentation. Overall, it’s a dish that nourishes as much as it satisfies.

Cooking Tips for a Flavorful Result

To ensure the best outcome:

Allow the chicken to marinate in the spice rub for at least 30 minutes. This step significantly boosts flavor.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to retain heat and prevent scorching.
Let the sauce simmer gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Don’t skip the preserved lemon and olives—they’re essential to achieving authentic Moroccan flavor.
Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving for a final burst of color and aroma.

A Beautiful Dish for Entertaining

If you’re hosting a dinner party or gathering, this Moroccan Chicken is a showstopper. Its rich aroma will greet your guests at the door, and the vibrant appearance—golden chicken nestled in red sauce, speckled with green olives and fresh herbs—makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

It also scales up easily, so you can double the recipe to feed a crowd. Serve it family-style in the pot or on a large platter with couscous, warm bread, and a simple salad for a complete and unforgettable meal.

Conclusion

One-Pot Moroccan Chicken is everything you want in a hearty, comforting dish—rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and impressive enough for special occasions. Its warming spices, tender meat, and bold, briny garnishes create a beautifully balanced meal that brings the magic of Moroccan cuisine right to your table.

Whether you’re discovering North African flavors for the first time or adding to your collection of global comfort foods, this recipe offers a rewarding and delicious experience that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

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