This vibrant and aromatic dish combines tender Moroccan spiced chicken with fragrant golden saffron rice, creating a harmonious bowl that is bursting with North African flavors and colors.
TIME
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
SERVINGS
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 per serving
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 tablespoon Moroccan spice blend (a mix of cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, and cinnamon)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
3 cups chicken broth
A generous pinch of saffron threads
1/4 cup golden raisins
Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced almonds for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the chicken thighs with the Moroccan spice blend, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs, skin side down, for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip the thighs and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer and add the saffron threads and golden raisins. Stir in the rinsed rice. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Once everything is cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and divide it among serving bowls. Place a Moroccan spiced chicken thigh on top of each bowl. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced almonds, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
6. Serve the Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Golden Saffron Rice Bowls with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Cooking Notes
For extra flavor and moisture, you can marinate the chicken thighs in the Moroccan spice blend and some yogurt for a few hours before cooking.
Beer, Wine, Cocktail Pairings
Beer Pairing: Pair this dish with a Moroccan-style lager or a wheat beer to complement the aromatic spices and cool down the heat.
Wine Pairing: A crisp, fruity Chardonnay or a floral Viognier would pair beautifully with the flavorful chicken and fragrant saffron rice.
Cocktail Pairing: A refreshing Moroccan mint tea cocktail with a splash of rum and hint of lemon would be an exotic and delightful pairing for this dish.