One Pot Moroccan Chicken and Chickpeas with Pistachio Couscous and Goat Cheese
Try this One Pot Moroccan Chicken and Chickpeas with Pistachio Couscous and Goat Cheese recipe.
Try this One Pot Moroccan Chicken and Chickpeas with Pistachio Couscous and Goat Cheese recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo minced
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 2-4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 pound skinless chicken (i used a mix of thighs and breas cut into bite size pieces (or swap in 2 more cup cooked chickpeas or your favorite veggies)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to your liking
- 2 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth)
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (rinsed and drained if using cann
- 1 lemon, zest + juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro plus more for serving
- 3-4 cups cooked couscous
- 6 medjool dates sliced (optional)
- Carbohydrate 7.88488042272401 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 5.65304397503495 g
- Fiber 2.83327057089845 g
- Protein 2.79725411013292 g
- Saturated Fat 0.719582820602392 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (176g)
- Sodium 107.211070502758 mg
- Sugar 5.05160985182557 g
- Trans Fat 0.346892411864127 g
- Calories 86 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl toss together the smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
- Heat a large high sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add some olive oil to coat the bottom of the skillet and once hot add the chicken and half of the seasoning mixture to the skillet. Brown the chicken all over until cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- To the same skillet add a little more olive oil to pan and swirl to coat. Add the onion, ginger, garlic, red pepper and carrots to the skillet, sauté 4-6 minutes. Add the remaining spice mixture and sauté another 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the chicken back to the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste, chipotle chile, chicken broth, and chickpeas. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat, and simmer 5-10 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in the cilantro and lemon zest + juice. Taste and season with salt if needed.
- To serve, divide the couscous among bowls or plates and sprinkle the couscous with the chopped pistachios and dates (if using). Top each plate of couscous with the chickpea mixture. Sprinkle on the crumbled goat cheese and garnish with chopped pistachios and cilantro. EAT.
One Pot Moroccan Chicken and Chickpeas with Pistachio Couscous and Goat Cheese: A Busy Woman's Delight
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknight dinners need to be quick, healthy, and delicious – a trifecta that can be surprisingly difficult to achieve. That’s why I’ve fallen head over heels for this One Pot Moroccan Chicken and Chickpeas recipe. It’s a vibrant explosion of flavor, packed with protein and nutrients, and surprisingly simple to prepare, even on a crazy Tuesday night.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks together in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency. The fragrant spices – smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander – transport you to a bustling Moroccan souk, even if your kitchen is slightly chaotic. The tender chicken, hearty chickpeas, and nutty couscous create a satisfying and well-balanced meal. And let's not forget the creamy goat cheese, which adds a touch of luxurious tanginess that perfectly complements the richness of the spices.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. I often swap out ingredients based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Other times, I'll use different protein, like sausage or ground beef, depending on my preference. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! The base flavors are robust enough to handle substitutions while maintaining that signature Moroccan flair.
Beyond the ease and flexibility, this dish is surprisingly healthy. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized. The couscous provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the goat cheese adds a boost of calcium. It’s a win-win – a flavorful, healthy, and convenient meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Beyond the Recipe: A Taste of Morocco in My Everyday Life
This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a portal to a place and a culture that I’ve always been fascinated by. While I haven’t yet had the chance to visit Morocco, I find solace and excitement in exploring its cuisine through recipes like this. The vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and unique flavor combinations transport me, even if just for a few moments, to another world. The ritual of preparing this dish, the satisfying sizzle of the chicken, the intoxicating aromas filling my kitchen – these are little acts of self-care that remind me to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of life.
This One Pot Moroccan Chicken and Chickpeas recipe has quickly become a staple in my weekly meal rotation. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and convenient cooking doesn't have to be complicated. It’s a testament to the fact that even amidst the whirlwind of work, family, and everyday life, we can still find time to nourish ourselves, both physically and emotionally.
The ease of this recipe has made it a favorite for busy weeknights. The vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients are perfect for satisfying even the most discerning palates. I highly encourage you to try it; I guarantee it will become a family favorite, too. It is a perfect combination of convenience and culinary adventure that leaves you feeling satisfied and inspired to embrace more moments of culinary escapism in your busy week.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference.
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with other proteins like lamb, beef, or tofu.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
- Couscous Options: Use regular couscous or try different flavored varieties.
- Make it Ahead: The chicken and chickpea mixture can be made ahead of time and reheated.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Happy cooking!
