If you’re craving something bursting with vibrant flavors and just the right hint of spice, this Grilled Moroccan Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. A perfect combination of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and a medley of warm spices, this dish transforms simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering celebration of North African-inspired goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe offers a delightful journey into Moroccan flavors that’s sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Moroccan Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients that brilliantly balance each other. Each component, from the earthy spices to the fresh herbs, plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor and ensuring your chicken stays juicy and tender.
- 4 Tbsp olive oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade soak deep into the chicken for moist, flavorful results.
- 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with citrusy tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 3 garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with its iconic pungent aroma and depth.
- 1 tsp ground coriander: Offers a subtle, citrusy warmth that is essential to Moroccan spice blends.
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly smoky note to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika: Provides a mild sweetness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 1/8 tsp chili powder: Just enough heat to keep things exciting without overwhelming the palate.
- 1/2 Tbsp salt: Balances all flavors and enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: Adds a gentle, spicy kick for complexity.
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley: Fresh and herbaceous, parsley brightens the marinade and adds a lovely green hue.
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro: Brings a zesty, slightly citrusy flavor that’s key to authentic Moroccan character.
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, sliced thinly to ensure quick, even grilling.
How to Make Grilled Moroccan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by tossing the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into a food processor. Pulse five to seven times to finely mince the garlic and blend the spices uniformly. This mixture will be the flavor powerhouse for your chicken.
Step 2: Add Fresh Herbs
Next, add the fresh cilantro and parsley to the processor. Give it a few more pulses until the herbs are chopped but not pureed. Keeping some texture in the herbs is a little trick to make your grilled chicken look as beautiful as it tastes, especially if you’re serving guests who appreciate the extra care.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces that will cook evenly and quickly on the grill. Place these neatly cut pieces into a large zip-top bag or a bowl where they’ll marry beautifully with the marinade.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
Pour the fresh, herby marinade over the chicken pieces. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and toss everything to coat the chicken pieces evenly. For best flavor and tenderness, let the chicken soak in this vibrant marinade for at least four hours or even overnight in the fridge.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook each chicken piece just until it is perfectly cooked through—about 10 minutes total, turning once halfway through. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying out those juicy Moroccan-spiced bites.
How to Serve Grilled Moroccan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the dish by garnishing with additional fresh parsley and cilantro leaves for a pop of color and brightness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of cooling yogurt sauce can also complement the bold spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Moroccan Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or tender roasted vegetables. These sides echo the vibrant, sunny profile of the chicken and complete your meal with textural variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a feast-worthy presentation, serve the grilled chicken atop a bed of herbed quinoa or wrapped in warm flatbreads with pickled onions and a smear of harissa. Whether plated elegantly or served family-style, this dish shines when shared and enjoyed with laughter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover grilled Moroccan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save grilled Moroccan chicken for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covering it to retain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and tender instead of drying out the spices and herbs.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and the marinade will work beautifully on them. Just adjust the grilling time to ensure they’re cooked through without drying out.
Do I need a food processor for the marinade?
While a food processor makes prep quick and easy, you can finely chop the garlic and herbs by hand. Just be sure to mince them well so the flavors distribute evenly.
How spicy is the Grilled Moroccan Chicken Recipe?
This recipe has a mild heat level thanks to a small amount of chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice up or down based on your preference.
Can I marinate the chicken for less than 4 hours?
You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes in a pinch, but the flavors will deepen and the chicken will become more tender with longer marinating times, ideally several hours or overnight.
What grill settings should I use to cook this chicken?
Medium heat is perfect for grilling this chicken. It allows for a nice char without burning the spices, while cooking the meat through evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Grilled Moroccan Chicken Recipe brings a burst of exotic, sun-kissed flavors to your table with such simplicity. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, whether to delight your family or impress friends. Give it a go, and enjoy that delicious, smoky, herbaceous taste that only a great grilled chicken can deliver.
Print
Grilled Moroccan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Description
This Grilled Moroccan Chicken recipe features a flavorful marinade made with fresh herbs, spices, lemon juice, and olive oil, creating a vibrant and aromatic dish perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Marinated for hours to infuse the chicken breasts with rich Moroccan-inspired flavors, the chicken is then grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy, tender pieces with a delightful smoky char.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/8 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
Chicken
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Put all the ingredients except for the cilantro, parsley, and chicken into a food processor. Pulse 5-7 times to mince the garlic and blend the spices and liquids.
- Add Herbs: Add the fresh cilantro and parsley to the food processor and pulse a few more times until the herbs are chopped but not pureed, maintaining some texture for an attractive marinade.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 8 thinner pieces total. Place the chicken pieces into a large ziplock bag or bowl for marinating.
- Marinate Chicken: Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken pieces, then toss or smoosh them to coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill to medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken pieces until cooked through, about 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through to achieve a nice char and ensure juiciness.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use fresh parsley and cilantro for the most vibrant taste.
- Ensure grill is preheated to medium heat to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Check internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with couscous or a fresh green salad to complement the Moroccan flavors.
