The Ultimate Moroccan Chicken & Rice: Flavorful One-Pan Dinner

Ingredients for Moroccan Chicken & Rice

• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The star of our Moroccan Chicken & Rice, ensuring juicy, tender meat. Skin crisps beautifully, adding incredible flavor.
• 1 ½ cups basmati rice, rinsed: This long-grain rice is the essential base for absorbing all the fragrant Moroccan flavors. Rinse thoroughly for perfectly fluffy results.
• 3 cups chicken broth, low-sodium: Provides the flavorful liquid for cooking the rice and infusing the entire dish. Use low-sodium to control overall seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: The foundation for sautéing aromatics and searing chicken, building layers of flavor. Extra virgin olive oil adds rich depth.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: A crucial aromatic base, providing a sweet and savory depth to the dish. Dice finely for even flavor distribution.
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Adds hearty texture and plant-based protein, making this a truly satisfying one-pan meal. A pantry staple.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with pungent, aromatic warmth, a key flavor builder in Moroccan cuisine. Don’t let it burn!
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a lovely acidity, moisture, and a touch of sweetness to the sauce. Crushed tomatoes also work well here.
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced: Contributes natural sweetness and vibrant color, softening beautifully into the flavorful rice. A great way to add veggies.
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced: Offers a sweet crunch and beautiful color, enhancing the vegetable medley. Any color bell pepper works.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: A final bright, zesty touch that elevates all the other spices and flavors. Don’t skip this fresh finish!
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: The signature earthy, warm spice that defines the Moroccan Chicken & Rice flavor profile. Use fresh, quality ground cumin.
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Imparts a gorgeous golden hue and subtle earthy notes, contributing to the dish’s vibrant character. Known for its health benefits.
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Adds a mild, sweet warmth and beautiful red color, enhancing the overall spice blend. Smoked paprika offers a deeper flavor.
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Provides a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a vibrant green garnish. Essential for an authentic taste.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: These essential seasonings balance and enhance all the complex flavors in our Moroccan Chicken & Rice. Season to taste.

How to Make Moroccan Chicken & Rice

Prep Chicken & Veg:

Start by seasoning your bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. While they rest, dice the yellow onion, carrots, and red bell pepper for your Moroccan Chicken & Rice. Remember to rinse your basmati rice thoroughly.

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden brown; remove. Add diced onion, carrots, and bell pepper to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Build Flavors:

Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, turmeric, and sweet paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the rinsed basmati rice, stirring to coat well.

Simmer & Bake:

Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and stir gently. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover tightly and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender.

Add Chickpeas:

After baking, remove the pot from the oven. Gently stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Cover the pot again and let your Moroccan Chicken & Rice rest for 5-10 minutes off the heat. This allows the rice to fully absorb moisture.

Finish Dish:

Uncover the pot. Using a fork, gently fluff the fragrant rice. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over everything; this brightens the flavors beautifully and adds a critical zing. Ensure chicken is cooked through.

Garnish & Serve:

Garnish your ultimate Moroccan Chicken & Rice with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. Serve this flavorful one-pan dinner hot, straight from the pot, for an easy and comforting meal that your family will adore.

How to Store Moroccan Chicken & Rice

To store leftover Moroccan Chicken & Rice, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out too long; I once regretfully tossed a batch because it wasn’t fresh. Check for off smells or slimy texture before enjoying.

For convenience, you can prep diced vegetables and season chicken a day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the full dish fresh when ready to serve for optimal taste and texture. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

What to Serve with Moroccan Chicken & Rice

Serve this flavorful Moroccan Chicken & Rice hot, directly from the pot, for a comforting family meal. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra fresh cilantro and a few lemon wedges. It’s perfect to pair with warm pita bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. Enjoy the rich aromas and tender textures!

My favorite way to serve this dish is with a generous dollop of plain Greek yogurt on the side, alongside extra chopped cilantro. The creamy yogurt offers a cooling contrast to the warm spices, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular white rice instead of basmati for Moroccan Chicken & Rice?

While you can, basmati rice is crucial for the fluffy texture of Moroccan Chicken & Rice. Other white rices might become gummy or mushy, a mistake I learned from. Stick to basmati for the best results.

→ How do I prevent mushy rice when making this Moroccan Chicken & Rice dinner?

To prevent mushy rice, always rinse your basmati thoroughly until the water runs clear; otherwise, it gets sticky. Also, ensure you don’t overcook it and let it rest covered after baking to absorb moisture.

→ Can I make this Moroccan Chicken & Rice recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Omit the chicken and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. You could add extra chickpeas or a can of drained lentils for protein. It’ll still be flavorful, though slightly different.

→ How long can I store leftover Ultimate Moroccan Chicken & Rice?

You can store leftover Ultimate Moroccan Chicken & Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I’ve regretfully had to toss batches left out too long, so refrigerate promptly after cooling.

→ Can I freeze this Moroccan Chicken & Rice dinner for later?

Freezing the cooked Moroccan Chicken & Rice isn’t ideal as the rice can become dry and the texture alters upon reheating. However, you can prep diced vegetables and season chicken a day ahead.