Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Raisins

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup raisins
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds, for garnish 1/4 cup toasted almonds, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 15g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and rub them with the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear them until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until they are caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
5. 5.
   Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the caramelized onions. Add the raisins, chicken broth, and honey. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. 7.
   Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs and garnish with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve the Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Raisins over couscous or steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For the best flavor and tenderness, use bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs. The bone adds depth to the sauce, and the skin helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor. Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the cumin seeds, and toast them for a few minutes until fragrant. Then grind them into a powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of saffron threads to the chicken broth before simmering.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped chili pepper to the caramelized onions.
• To save time, you can marinate the chicken overnight, allowing the flavors to develop even more.
• If you don't have raisins on hand, you can substitute them with dried apricots or prunes for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Make sure to toast the almonds just before serving to preserve their crunchiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Raisins over a bed of fluffy couscous or steamed rice. The aromatic sauce pairs perfectly with the grains, allowing you to soak up every last bit of flavor. Don't forget to garnish with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro for an added touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chicken thighs on a large platter, spooning the caramelized onions and raisins over the top. Drizzle the sauce generously over the chicken, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Sprinkle the toasted almonds and fresh cilantro over the dish for a pop of color and texture. Serve with pride and watch your guests' eyes light up with delight.