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Moroccan Chicken Couscous with Apricot Preserves
Fouzia

Moroccan Chicken Couscous with Apricot Preserves

Sweet and Spiced Moroccan Chicken Over Fluffy Couscous
This Moroccan-inspired dish is a beautiful blend of savory spices and sweet apricot preserves.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup apricot preserves
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Couscous:
  • 2 cups couscous
  • 2 cups hot chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

  1. Instructions
Brown the Chicken:
  1. Season chicken with spices. Heat oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
  1. Sauté onions and garlic in the same pan until fragrant. Add remaining spices and cook briefly.
Simmer the Sauce:
  1. Stir in apricot preserves and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Finish the Chicken:
  1. Add chicken back to the skillet. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until tender.
Prepare the Couscous:
  1. Combine couscous and hot broth in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in olive oil and herbs.
Serve:
  1. Plate couscous, top with chicken and sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs or almonds.

Notes

  • Choosing Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they stay moist and flavorful. You can substitute with chicken breasts, but they may cook faster.
  • Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the apricot preserves slightly or balance with an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Spice Level: This recipe is mild, but you can add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
  • Couscous Options: For added texture, use pearl couscous or whole wheat couscous instead of instant couscous.
  • Make It Ahead: The chicken and sauce taste even better the next day, so feel free to prepare them in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
  • Serving Ideas: Pair with a side salad of mixed greens or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.