Bring the bold, aromatic flavors of Morocco straight to your dinner table with this Moroccan Chicken & Rice recipe. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in turmeric, cumin, and coriander, then cooked with fragrant basmati rice, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Add a squeeze of lime, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and fresh coriander, and you’ve got a meal that’s restaurant-quality but made at home.
Whether you’re trying Moroccan cuisine for the first time or just want to spice up your weeknight dinners, this recipe is approachable, flavorful, and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of flavor: Warm spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander give each bite a Moroccan-inspired punch.
- One-pan cooking: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
- Customizable: Use skin-on or skinless chicken, adjust spice levels, or swap basmati rice for jasmine.
- Perfect for entertaining: Serve to family or friends for a dish that feels exotic without being complicated.
Ingredients
Servings: 6 | Course: Main | Cuisine: Moroccan
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in (skin optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons turmeric
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon dried coriander
- 1½ tablespoons oregano
- 6 garlic cloves, crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3½ cups chicken stock
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
To Serve:
- Lime wedges
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh coriander
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs, coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour to overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken, meaty side down, and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Flip and cook another 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, pour in ¼ cup chicken stock, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Prepare the Rice
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in turmeric and coriander, cooking until onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add rice and stir to coat the grains in the spices for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour over the remaining chicken stock and stir once to combine.
4. Bake and Serve
- Arrange the cooked chicken on top of the rice.
- Cover and place in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
- Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
- Serve with lime wedges, Greek yogurt, and fresh coriander for a bright, flavorful finish.
Tips & Notes
- Chicken choice: Small bone-in thighs cook perfectly; if using large thighs, extend cooking time by 10 minutes and add a splash more stock if needed.
- Skin-on vs. skinless: Skin-on adds richness but can make the rice slightly greasy. Adjust according to preference.
- Spice adventure: Stick to the basic spices at first, then explore saffron, fennel, or anise in future dishes.
- Serving suggestion: Great for casual family dinners or dinner parties with a Moroccan twist.
This Moroccan Chicken & Rice is your ticket to a simple, exotic, and aromatic dinner—no passport required.
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