If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a touch of exotic sweetness, the Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe beautifully combines the smoky char of grilled chicken with the luscious, caramelized bite of apricots, all enhanced by a blend of warm Moroccan spices. It’s a dazzling dish that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for a sunny summer dinner or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial to crafting the authentic taste and stunning appearance of this Moroccan classic. Each item has been carefully chosen to bring out the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color on your plate.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner protein; both absorb the marinade beautifully.
- 1/2 cup dried apricots (halved): These add a natural sweetness that caramelizes lovely when grilled.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Acts as the marinade base and keeps the chicken tender on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds a bright zing that balances the rich spices and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Enhances the apricots’ sweetness and promotes caramelization.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Offers a pungent warmth that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings an earthy depth central to Moroccan cooking.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a light, citrusy note that freshens the taste.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky richness to the chicken’s char.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A subtle warmth to complement the apricot’s sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle bite and roundness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbal finish and bright green color contrast.
How to Make Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if you want a little kick), salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This fragrant blend is the heart of the Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe and sets the stage for those lively, layered flavors. Add the chicken thighs or breasts along with the halved apricots into the marinade, turning everything together so every piece gets a delicious coating. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour—to really soak up those spices—or better yet, overnight if you have the time.
Step 2: Heat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This step ensures you get those irresistible grill marks and a slightly charred exterior, locking in juices and flavor. It’s this grilling technique that gives the Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe its signature smoky character that makes it so irresistible.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Apricots
Remove the chicken and apricots from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You want it fully cooked but still juicy inside with a hint of crispness on the outside. Simultaneously, grill the apricots for just 1 to 2 minutes per side—enough to soften them and develop those lovely grill marks, but not so long that they turn mushy. The warm apricots are the perfect foil to the spiced chicken.
Step 4: Serve with Fresh Herbs
Plate your grilled chicken pieces and top them generously with the grilled apricots. Finally, sprinkle the dish with the fresh cilantro or parsley, which adds a pop of color and fresh brightness that elevates the entire dish. And just like that, your Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe is ready to delight everyone around the table!
How to Serve Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley are must-haves for this dish, lending a burst of green freshness and herbal brightness that perfectly balances the warm spices and sweet apricots. A light drizzle of lemon juice over the top right before serving can also enhance the zesty notes and make every bite sing.
Side Dishes
The Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up those delicious juices. Think fluffy couscous, fragrant basmati rice, or warm flatbreads to scoop up every last bit. A crisp cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette would add a cooling contrast that harmonizes perfectly with the grilled flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a family meal, try plating the chicken slices fan-style over a bed of herbed couscous, with scattered grilled apricots dotted around. You could also skewer smaller chicken pieces and apricots alternately to create vibrant kebabs. Don’t forget a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts for a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the grilled apricots separate if possible to maintain their texture. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as delightful, if not more so.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken (without apricots) in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to three months. Apricots don’t freeze as well after grilling due to their softness, so it’s best to add fresh or thawed apricots when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to preserve juiciness, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Add the apricots near the end to warm them through without overcooking. Avoid the microwave if possible for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating helps keep them juicy and flavorful.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, even one hour of marinating will make a noticeable difference. If you’re short on time, just give it at least an hour for a tasty result.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and follow the same marinating and grilling steps. The apricot and spice combination works beautifully with plant-based proteins.
What can I use if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
You can broil the chicken and apricots in your oven for similar results. Place them on a broiler-safe pan close to the heating element and cook until charred edges appear, turning once.
How spicy is the Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe?
The recipe is mildly spiced by default, with the cayenne pepper being optional. You can adjust the amount or omit it altogether depending on your heat preference without losing the dish’s signature flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe is a true gem that brings together sweet, savory, smoky, and spicy elements all on one plate. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will quickly become a cherished favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t wait—grab your grill and get started on this delicious journey today!
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Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Moroccan Grilled Chicken with Apricots is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring juicy chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a blend of spices, honey, and lemon juice, then grilled to perfection alongside sweet, tender apricots. Garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley, it’s a delightful main course perfect for summer grilling with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- ½ cup dried apricots, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and halved apricots, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is properly heated before cooking to achieve great grill marks and even cooking.
- Grill Chicken and Apricots: Remove the chicken and apricots from the marinade and place them on the hot grill. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Grill the apricots for 1 to 2 minutes per side until softened and grill-marked.
- Serve with Fresh Herbs: Plate the grilled chicken topped with the grilled apricots and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Optionally, serve with couscous, rice, or flatbread as accompaniments.
Notes
- For added flavor, brush the reserved marinade (after boiling it to ensure food safety) over the chicken while grilling.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or flatbread.
- You can substitute chicken with lamb or tofu for a different variation.
