Moroccan Chicken and Rice with Dates & Olives
540kcal
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoon olive oil for marinating
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juice freshly squeezed
For the Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 cup pitted dates chopped
- ½ cup green olives sliced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon honey optional, for sweetness
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Method
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. This step helps to lock in the flavors.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and grated ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the onions. Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, chopped dates, and sliced olives. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure even steaming.
Finish and Serve
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Moroccan Chicken and Rice with Dates & Olives!
Nutrition
Serving1servingCalories540kcalCarbohydrates65gProtein30gFat15gSaturated Fat2gPolyunsaturated Fat1gMonounsaturated Fat10gCholesterol80mgSodium600mgPotassium600mgFiber4gSugar10gVitamin A500IUVitamin C5mgCalcium50mgIron3mg
Notes
For added richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, depending on your taste preference.