Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe
If you’re looking to bring a vibrant burst of North African sunshine to your dinner table, Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots is the answer. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken flames up perfectly on the grill and is paired with smoky, caramelized apricots for the ultimate sweet-savory bite. The warm, fragrant spices and pops of fresh herbs transform this dish into something special, yet it’s surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe makes every meal feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe’s magic comes from a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh, fragrant add-ins. Each ingredient isn’t just there for show: together they create a symphony of flavors, colors, and textures that turn humble chicken into Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Juicy, tender, and beautifully grill-friendly, these serve as the perfect canvas for bold Moroccan flavors.
- Olive Oil: Gives the marinade body and a lush mouthfeel while keeping the chicken moist during grilling.
- Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the apricots and the warmth of the spices.
- Ground Cumin: Lends a deep, earthy backbone that’s essential for that Moroccan profile.
- Ground Coriander: Brings a subtle citrusy lift and floral notes to the spice blend.
- Ground Cinnamon: Offers a sweet aroma and warmth, giving the chicken a memorable flavor twist.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses gentle smokiness and beautiful color that echo the flavors of the grill.
- Ground Ginger: Zings things up with a touch of fiery-sweet brightness.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and sharpness to the marinade.
- Dried Apricots, Halved: Their concentrated sweetness and chew become irresistible when lightly charred.
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: Provides a fresh, green pop that ties together all the flavor elements.
- Optional Lemon Wedges: A spritz at the table wakes up every bite.
- Optional Chopped Almonds: For crunch and a toasty finish that loves Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots as much as you will.
How to Make Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots
Step 1: Mix Up Your Marinade
Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper in a roomy bowl. This fragrant blend is the flavor heart of your Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots, so let all the spices mingle and create something truly irresistible.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl, making sure every piece is generously coated with the marinade. Cover and let the chicken soak up all those glorious flavors for at least 30 minutes — but if you have time, marinate it in the fridge for up to 8 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 3: Fire Up Your Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get great char marks, but not so fierce that the spices burn. If your apricots are a little tough, let them soak in warm water for 10 minutes before grilling so they can caramelize smoothly.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has gorgeous, smoky charred edges. That sizzle is the announcement of deliciousness to come!
Step 5: Grill the Apricots
During the last couple minutes of the grilling time, add the halved dried apricots to the grill. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they pick up a little color and caramelize. This touch brings out their natural sweetness and makes each bite of Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots extra special.
Step 6: Rest and Finish
Remove the chicken and apricots from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This short pause ensures the chicken stays juicy. Serve the chicken topped with the grilled apricots, sprinkle with plenty of fresh cilantro or parsley, and don’t forget those optional lemon wedges and chopped almonds for the final flourish!
How to Serve Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots
Garnishes
The crowning touches for Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots are what make your plate pop: shower chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the top, sprinkle with crunchy chopped almonds, and add a few lemon wedges for zesty brightness. These simple extras elevate both the look and the taste in seconds.
Side Dishes
This dish shines next to fluffy couscous, nutty quinoa, or a crisp herb salad. Try a cucumber yogurt salad, or even warm, grilled flatbreads to soak up those fragrant juices. Whatever you choose, these sides play up the vibrant flavors and complete the Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, arrange the chicken and apricots family-style on a big platter sprinkled with herbs and nuts. For a weeknight treat, pile the chicken and fruit over a bed of greens or grains in a generous bowl. You can even tuck leftovers into pita bread for a stunning, hand-held lunch that puts other sandwiches to shame!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots, stash the chicken and apricots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, ready to transform salads, wraps, or simple bowls of grains.
Freezing
Both the chicken and grilled apricots freeze beautifully. Let everything cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to two months. This is a fantastic way to have Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots on demand whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out. The apricots can be warmed alongside or enjoyed at room temperature for a sweet, chewy counterpoint.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots works beautifully with either chicken thighs or breasts, so pick whichever you prefer. Just remember that breasts may cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
Do I have to soak the dried apricots before grilling?
It depends on the softness of your apricots. If they’re especially firm or chewy, a 10 minute soak in warm water plumps them up and helps them caramelize nicely on the grill. If they’re already soft, you can skip that step and go straight to grilling.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! A stovetop grill pan or even a hot, lightly oiled skillet can mimic the charred effect pretty well. The marinade’s flavors really shine through no matter the method, so you can still enjoy Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots year-round.
Can I add vegetables to the grill?
Certainly! Bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini all play well with the spices in this dish. Grill them alongside your chicken and apricots for an even heartier meal and a gorgeous presentation.
Is this recipe spicy?
Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots leans more toward warm and aromatic than hot and spicy. If you want a little kick, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when making your marinade.
Final Thoughts
You truly don’t have to travel far to experience something unforgettable — just fire up the grill and make Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots at home. This recipe is bursting with bold spice, juicy chicken, and sweet caramelized apricots, making it just as perfect for a weeknight dinner as for an eye-catching dinner party centerpiece. Gather your favorite people, share this spectacular dish, and enjoy the kind of meal that’s meant to be savored and remembered!
Print
Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Moroccan Grilled Chicken with Apricots recipe combines savory and sweet flavors for a delicious and aromatic dish that’s perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Apricots:
- 1 cup dried apricots, halved
Optional Garnish:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Optional: lemon wedges and chopped almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through and charred.
- Grill the Apricots: During the last few minutes of grilling, place the apricot halves on the grill and cook until caramelized.
- Serve: Rest the chicken and apricots for 5 minutes. Serve the grilled chicken topped with apricots, herbs, and optional garnishes.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with couscous, quinoa, or a fresh herb salad.
- If dried apricots are too firm, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before grilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with apricots
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
