Description
Moroccan Chicken Casserole
Transport your taste buds to Morocco with this aromatic chicken casserole! The blend of warm spices, honey, and fresh orange creates a rich, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Chicken thighs keep it juicy and flavorful, making this one-pot wonder a favorite that requires minimal cleanup. Serve with couscous or turmeric potatoes for an authentic experience.
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, halved and finely sliced
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
2 carrots, sliced
1 courgette (zucchini), halved lengthways and sliced
Juice and zest of 1 orange
1 tbsp honey
300 ml chicken stock
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chilli powder
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp cinnamon
Olive oil cooking spray
Fresh coriander to garnish
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Spray an oven-proof dish with oil, fry chicken, onion, garlic, and ginger until browned.
3. Add spices and mix. Add carrots, honey, orange zest/juice, and stock.
4. Bake for 1 hour, adding courgette for the last 20 mins.
5. Season, garnish, and serve!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 285 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare all vegetables: finely slice the onion, crush the garlic, grate the ginger, slice the carrots, and halve and slice the courgette. Zest and juice the orange.
2. Sear the Chicken: Lightly spray a large, oven-proof casserole dish or Dutch oven with olive oil and place over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook Aromatics: In the same dish, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Bloom the Spices: Add all the spices (paprika, coriander, cumin, chilli powder, turmeric, cinnamon) to the onion mixture. Stir constantly for 1 minute until deeply aromatic.
5. Combine & Braise: Return the chicken to the dish. Add the sliced carrots, honey, orange zest, orange juice, and chicken stock. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Add Courgette & Finish: Bake for 40 minutes. Carefully remove the dish, stir in the sliced courgette, and return to the oven, uncovered, for a final 20 minutes. The chicken should be tender and the sauce slightly reduced.
7. Season & Serve: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish generously with fresh coriander.
Serving Suggestions
This fragrant casserole pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous to soak up the sauce. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. Turmeric-spiked roasted potatoes or a simple quinoa are also excellent. A side of Greek yogurt or a crisp green salad with pomegranate seeds balances the rich, spiced flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
Brown chicken thighs, then sauté onion, garlic, and ginger. Add warm spices to bloom. Combine with carrots, honey, orange, and stock. Braise covered in a 350°F oven for 40 mins. Add courgette and bake uncovered for 20 more mins. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with couscous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but they will cook faster and can dry out. Reduce the initial braising time by 15-20 minutes and check for doneness early.
How can I make this dish spicier? Increase the chilli powder to your taste, or add a finely chopped fresh chilli when cooking the aromatics.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Absolutely. Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop? Yes. After combining all ingredients, simmer covered on low heat for about 45-50 minutes, adding the courgette for the last 15 minutes.
What can I substitute for honey? Maple syrup or a tablespoon of brown sugar are good alternatives to achieve the necessary sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid skipping the step of browning the chicken, as it builds crucial flavor. Do not add the courgette at the beginning, as it will become mushy. Ensure you “bloom” the spices in the oil for a minute to unlock their full aroma. Finally, do not over-reduce the sauce in the oven; it should be rich but still plentiful.
Conclusion
This Moroccan Chicken Casserole is a vibrant, one-pot meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The harmony of warm spices, sweet honey, and citrus creates a truly special dish that is both comforting and exotic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining, it’s a reliable recipe that will quickly become a household favorite. Enjoy the journey to Morocco from your own kitchen!