Moroccan Grilled Chicken

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Hey food lovers, Chef Walter here! Let’s talk about one of my favorite grilled dishes that brings all the vibrant flavors of Morocco straight to your kitchen: Moroccan Grilled Chicken.This grilled chicken stands out with its juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts (or thighs, if you’re feeling adventurous) marinated in a rich blend of bold spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Trust me, this Moroccan Grilled Chicken Recipe will have every bite making you feel like you’re on a Moroccan getaway!

Pair this dish with something refreshing like our Best-shakshuka-recipe or a side of our tasty Best Nachos Breakfast. Fire up the grill and start cooking this Moroccan Grilled Chicken Recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for this flavor-packed Moroccan Grilled Chicken Recipe. Pro-tip: Fresh spices make all the difference!

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs if you prefer extra juiciness)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil – gives the chicken a nice, juicy texture
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic is life
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin – warm and earthy, the backbone of Moroccan flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander – adds a hint of citrus
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for that subtle smoky vibe
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric – adds color and a hint of bitterness
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – brings warmth and a slight sweetness
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
  • Juice of 1 lemon – brightens and tenderizes the chicken
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste – essential for balancing flavors
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped – for garnish

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Mix Up Your Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), and lemon juice. This blend of spices is what gives Moroccan cuisine its signature depth of flavor, and believe me, your kitchen is about to smell amazing while preparing this Moroccan Grilled Chicken Recipe.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in the bowl and make sure each piece gets a nice, even coat of the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours – but if you have time, let it marinate overnight for maximum flavor. The lemon juice will tenderize the meat, while the spices infuse deep, mouth-watering flavors.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Give it about 10 minutes to get nice and hot – we want those beautiful grill marks on the chicken!

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, depending on thickness. Internal temperature to be set at 165°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked. Pro-tip: Avoid flipping too often to get that perfect char.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Remove the chicken from the grill once it’s done, and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for that juicy, tender bite. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and flavor to your Moroccan Grilled Chicken Recipe.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve this Moroccan Grilled Chicken Recipe with a side of couscous, a fresh salad, or even some warm pita bread. This simple yet sophisticated meal will have everyone asking for seconds! For a full meal, pair it with our Velveeta Broccoli Cheese Soup or our Simply Sandwich Bread.


Moroccan Grilled Chicken

Recipe by Chef Walter
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Uncategorized
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs if you prefer extra juiciness)

  • 1/4 cup olive oil – gives the chicken a nice, juicy texture

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic is life

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin – warm and earthy, the backbone of Moroccan flavor

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander – adds a hint of citrus

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for that subtle smoky vibe

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric – adds color and a hint of bitterness

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – brings warmth and a slight sweetness

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)

  • Juice of 1 lemon – brightens and tenderizes the chicken

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste – essential for balancing flavors

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped – for garnish

Directions

  • Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), and lemon juice. This blend of spices is what gives Moroccan cuisine its signature depth of flavor.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in the bowl and coat each piece thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
  • Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, set your grill to medium-high heat and let it warm up for about 10 minutes.
  • Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid flipping too often to get a nice char.
  • Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and flavor.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve this Moroccan Grilled Chicken with a side of couscous, fresh salad, or warm pita bread for a full meal.

Notes

  • Additional Tips:
    Overnight Marination = Maximum Flavor: If you can, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate deep into the meat, resulting in a much richer flavor profile. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
    Oven Alternative: No grill? No problem! Bake the marinated chicken in a 400°F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through. You’ll still get all those wonderful flavors without the grill.
    Perfect Pairings: Moroccan Grilled Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous, a cool cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of yogurt mixed with mint and garlic – it’s the perfect cool contrast to the spices.
    Leftover Magic: Got leftovers? This chicken is fantastic cold, sliced over a salad, or stuffed into a wrap with some fresh greens and a drizzle of tahini. It’s meal prep magic!

    Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
    Calories: 300 kcal
    Protein: 27g
    Carbohydrates: 2g
    Fat: 18g
    Fiber: 1g
    Cholesterol: 75mg
    Sodium: 200mg

Tags:

Chef Walter recipes / easy grilled chicken / gluten-free chicken recipe / grilled chicken recipe / Mediterranean-inspired / Moroccan cuisine / Moroccan grilled chicken

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