Description
Moroccan Chicken Stew
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
1 large potato, diced
2 carrots, sliced
1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice for serving
Green onions for garnish
Directions
Prepare Ingredients:
Cube the chicken, dice the potato, and slice the carrots. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Sauté:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the Stew:
Stir in diced potatoes, carrots, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer:
Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
Serve:
Serve the stew over a bed of fluffy rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof stew. First, complete all ingredient prep as listed. When browning the chicken, ensure your pot is hot to get a good sear; don’t overcrowd the pieces. After removing the chicken, sauté the onion until translucent before adding the garlic to prevent burning. Blooming the spices in the oil for a full minute is crucial for unlocking their depth. When adding the broth, scrape any browned bits from the pot bottom for extra flavor. During the simmer, keep the heat low and the lid on to retain moisture, checking only occasionally to stir and ensure the potatoes are fork-tender.
Serving Suggestions
While fluffy white rice is classic, this stew pairs wonderfully with other bases. Try serving it over couscous, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For garnishes, fresh cilantro, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds add wonderful texture and freshness. A side of warm pita bread or a simple cucumber salad completes the meal perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary, this one-pot meal involves browning chicken, sautéing aromatics and spices, then simmering everything with vegetables, chickpeas, and broth until tender. The key steps are proper browning, blooming the spices, and a gentle simmer to meld the rich Moroccan flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Thighs are more forgiving and will stay juicier during the simmer, adding richer flavor.
How can I make this stew in a slow cooker? After browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Is there a substitute for chickpeas? White beans or lentils are excellent substitutes. For lentils, add them dry with the broth and increase liquid slightly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Can I freeze this stew? Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Blooming the Spices: Adding the spices directly to the liquid mutes their flavor. Always cook them briefly in oil.
- Overcooking the Chicken Breast: If using breasts, browning them well but briefly prevents them from becoming dry and stringy during the simmer.
- Cutting Vegetables Too Large: Ensure potatoes and carrots are diced uniformly (about 1-inch pieces) so they cook evenly and on time.
- Rushing the Simmer: A gentle, covered simmer is essential for tender vegetables and developed flavor. Boiling will make the chicken tough.
Conclusion
This Moroccan Chicken Stew is a vibrant, nutritious, and deeply satisfying meal that brings global flavors to your weeknight table. Its combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily master this dish and enjoy a taste of Morocco from your own kitchen. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dining experience.