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Homemade Moroccan Chicken Couscous photo

Moroccan Chicken Couscous

A fragrant one‑pot Moroccan chicken and couscous bake with chickpeas, raisins, kale, and a warm spice blend.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons Moroccan spice blend recipe below; yields about 3 tbsp
  • 4 chicken breasts about 1½ lb (boneless, skinless)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 14 ounce chickpeas (1 can), drained and rinsed
  • 14 ounce fire roasted tomatoes (1 can)
  • 3 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 cup pearl couscous dry
  • 4 cups kale rinsed and roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin for spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger for spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika for spice blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice for spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander for spice blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric for spice blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom for spice blend

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or oven‑safe pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Plate
  • aluminum foil (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Make the Moroccan spice blend: combine cumin, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, allspice, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, cardamom, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl; this yields about 3 tablespoons (8–9 tsp).
  3. Season the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of the spice blend, rubbing it evenly over both sides (reserve about 1 tbsp of the blend for later).
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven‑safe pot over medium‑high heat. When hot, add the chicken and sear until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side; transfer the chicken to a plate.
  5. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent; stir in the reserved 1 tablespoon spice blend.
  6. Stir in the golden raisins, drained chickpeas, fire roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and dry pearl couscous; mix to combine, then gently fold in the chopped kale.
  7. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot, nestling them into the couscous mixture so they are partially submerged.
  8. Cover the pot with a lid (or tightly with aluminum foil) and transfer to the oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake an additional 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and couscous is tender.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Fire‑roasted canned tomatoes are used for a smoky flavor.
  • You can substitute a store‑bought Moroccan spice blend if preferred.
  • Bone‑in chicken or thighs may be used but will alter cooking time.
  • Use an oven‑safe braiser, Dutch oven, or tagine for best results.
  • The spice blend yields about 3 tablespoons total.