Go Back
Spiced Moroccan chicken thighs served over seasoned rice with chickpeas and lemon slices in a skillet.

Spiced Moroccan Chicken and Rice

Spiced Moroccan Chicken and Rice is a warm, aromatic one-pan meal made with tender chicken, fluffy long-grain rice, and bold Moroccan-inspired spices. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Moroccan, North African
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1½ cups long-grain rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 cup chickpeas
  • ¼ cup raisins or dried apricots
  • ¼ cup green olives
  • ¼ cup toasted almonds
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, cook the chopped onion until softened, then add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add chili flakes if using.
  5. Add rice and stir to coat it in the spice mixture.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Nestle the chicken back on top of the rice, cover, and simmer on low until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  8. Turn off heat and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork.
  9. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use long-grain or basmati rice for the fluffiest texture.
  • Bone-in chicken gives the richest flavor, but boneless thighs work for faster cooking.
  • Add chickpeas for extra protein, raisins/apricots for sweetness, or olives for a salty bite.
  • Let the dish rest before fluffing to finish steaming the rice and improve texture.
  • Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out.