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5 from 3 votes

Moroccan Chermoula Chicken

Chermoula chicken is made with tender chicken thighs and a North African marinade filled with fresh herbs, spices, and lemon juice.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: main dishes
Cuisine: Moroccan
Servings: 4
Author: Kevin

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs bonesless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup red chermoula (See Below)
  • 3 lemons

Red Chermoula

  • 1/4 tsp saffron threads
  • 2 small preserved lemons
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves chopped
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp harissa paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp Ras el Hanout
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Instructions

Red Chermoula

  • Grind the saffron threads in the palm of your hand, or in a mortar and pestle (preferred). Mix with 2 tablespoons of warm water in small bowl. Let sit and allow saffron to bloom and draw out as much color as possible. It should be a deep ruby red.
  • Slice preserved lemons into quarters, then scoop out the pulp. Discard any seeds, save rind for other use. Roughly chop pulp and place in a bowl with remaining ingredients. Stir through saffron water and use as marinade, basting sauce or relish for seafood and chicken dishes.

Chicken

  • Place the chicken in a bowl. Rub the chermoula all over the chicken. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Slice the lemons in halves. In a skillet over medium high heat pan roast the lemons cut side down for several minutes until charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Spray 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Transfer marinade and chicken to baking dish. Arrange in single layer and cover with foil.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, pour lemon juice over chicken and place under broiler for 5 minutes to slightly char the top.
  • Serve with rice of choice and vegetables. Spoon pan juices over chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 220mg | Sodium: 773mg | Potassium: 667mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 472IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 3mg