Moroccan Chicken Kebabs with Spiced Couscous Recipe
Enjoy the exotic flavors and vibrant colors of Moroccan cuisine with this delicious kebab recipe!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Kebabs
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers, soaked in water if using wooden ones
For the Spiced Couscous
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Grill the chicken kebabs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the spiced couscous. In a saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cooked couscous and add the chopped parsley, cilantro, dried apricots, and toasted almonds. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss to combine.
- Serve the grilled Moroccan chicken kebabs alongside the spiced couscous. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Marinating the Chicken: For the most flavorful chicken kebabs, allow the chicken to marinate in the spice mixture for at least 1 hour, or even overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
- Soaking the Skewers: If you're using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This helps prevent the skewers from burning during grilling.
- Grilling Tips: Grill the chicken kebabs over medium-high heat, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and a nice char on the edges. Avoid overcrowding the grill to allow proper airflow and prevent the chicken from steaming instead of grilling.
- Fluffing the Couscous: After the couscous has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping. This ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to customize the spiced couscous with your favorite herbs, dried fruits, nuts, or additional spices. Moroccan cuisine is all about bold flavors and experimentation, so don't be afraid to get creative!
- Serve with Accompaniments: For a complete Moroccan-inspired feast, consider serving the chicken kebabs and spiced couscous with traditional accompaniments like tzatziki sauce, harissa, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.
- Make-Ahead Option: Both the chicken kebabs and spiced couscous can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the kebabs on the grill or in the oven before serving, and fluff the couscous with a little extra olive oil to revive its texture.