Description
A flavorful Moroccan grilled chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, complemented by sweet apricots, fresh cilantro, and crunchy toasted almonds. Perfect for a vibrant and aromatic main course that pairs beautifully with couscous, rice, or flatbread.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and perfect cooking temperature for the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 6–7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and charred lightly on the outside.
- Soften the Apricots: While the chicken is grilling, place dried apricots in a small bowl with 1/4 cup hot water and let them soak to soften. Drain before serving.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken thighs on a serving platter. Top with the softened apricots, chopped fresh cilantro, and toasted sliced almonds. Serve alongside couscous, rice, or flatbread for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you don’t have access to a grill, cook the chicken in a grill pan or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
- For extra flavor, reduce the leftover marinade in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened and drizzle over the grilled chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with toppings
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
