If you’re looking to add a burst of sunshine and exotic flavor to your dinner table, look no further than Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots. Tender chicken thighs get bathed in a warmly spiced marinade, then seared on the grill until smoky and juicy, while sweet, tart apricots infuse every bite with a hint of lush brightness. This is the sort of dish that instantly transports you, thanks to its North African-inspired blend of spices, lively citrus, and dazzling color. Whether you’re grilling for a weekday treat or gathering friends for a summer feast, Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots is sure to steal the show and become an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish so magical is the careful balance of a handful of thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each element, from golden apricots to heady spices, brings its own character, ensuring Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots delivers a symphony of flavors and aromas that truly shines with every forkful.
- Chicken thighs (or breasts): Opt for thighs for juiciness, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer leaner meat; both absorb the marinade’s flavor remarkably well.
- Dried apricots, chopped: These add pops of sweetness and silky texture, soaking up the marinade and nestling right alongside the chicken as it grills.
- Olive oil: Essential for carrying all the spice flavors and keeping the chicken tender on the grill.
- Lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to lift all the warm spices and keeps the chicken tasting fresh.
- Honey: Sweetens the marinade, balancing out the tart lemon and enhancing the apricots’ natural flavor.
- Garlic, minced: A must for savory depth; freshly minced garlic is best for its bold punch.
- Ground cumin: Sets the Moroccan tone, adding earthiness and a hint of smokiness.
- Ground coriander: Brings gentle citrus undertones to the spice mix.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle touch of sweetness that gives the dish its unique edge.
- Smoked paprika: Lends the marinade a subtle smokiness and beautiful garnet color.
- Ground ginger: Gives a peppery, zesty kick that brightens every bite.
- Turmeric: Offers a golden hue and earthy nuance.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a gentle heat, this spice amplifies the warmth.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds depth and a savory finish to the marinade.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brings a burst of herby freshness and cheerful color to the final dish.
How to Make Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots
Step 1: Make the Flavor-Packed Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and all the spices in a small bowl. This aromatic mixture is the heart and soul of Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots, working like a magic potion to infuse the chicken with vibrant flavor. Take a deep inhale—the scent alone will have your taste buds tingling with anticipation!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken and Apricots
Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, then pour the zesty marinade over the top. Toss in the chopped dried apricots, making sure each piece of chicken is well coated. Gently massage the marinade into the meat, turning everything over to ensure no spot is left behind. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or let the flavors mingle overnight if you can—deeper marinating means even juicier, more intense results!
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Fire up your grill (or grill pan) and let it get nice and hot over medium heat. You want those signature grill marks and that irresistible char, which really brings out the smoky, spiced magic of Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots. If you’re using a grill pan, don’t forget a light brush of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove your marinated chicken and apricots, letting extra marinade drip off. Place them on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning once lightly charred and cooked through. If you reserved a bit of marinade (that hasn’t touched raw chicken), brush it on while grilling for an extra burst of juicy flavor. The apricots will caramelize and plump up next to the chicken, creating delicious sweet-salty bites.
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes once it’s off the grill so the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness. Sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro or parsley, and bring the dish straight to the table while it’s steaming and fragrant. The result? Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots is ready to dazzle with its golden color, succulent meat, and sparkling apricot jewels.
How to Serve Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots
Garnishes
This dish loves a flourish of freshness. Scatter plenty of bright green cilantro or parsley over the platter just before serving. For added pop, you could try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to amplify the Mediterranean feel.
Side Dishes
Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots is perfect alongside a bed of fluffy couscous or fragrant steamed rice, which soak up the pan juices and sweet apricots beautifully. A cooling yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or a crisp cucumber salad will balance out the spices and add extra color to your table. Don’t forget some warm flatbread to mop up every last bit of sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, slice the chicken and arrange it over a vibrant salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and mint. Or, serve family style on a big platter, nestling the grilled apricots and some fresh orange slices among the chicken pieces—a real showstopper for guests! Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots also makes an irresistible filling for pita wraps with greens and a dollop of yogurt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers especially delicious, and the chicken stays moist thanks to the marinade and apricots.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, simply cool the chicken and apricots then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers. Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—this is a great way to have a taste of summer waiting for you anytime.
Reheating
For best texture, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep everything juicy. You can also microwave in short bursts, covering to retain moisture. Just be careful not to overcook, as the chicken is at its best when just warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well, though keep in mind they cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily. Just grill until they’re cooked through but still juicy; the marinade will help keep them flavorful and moist.
Do I need to soak the apricots beforehand?
It’s not essential, but soaking your dried apricots in warm water or orange juice before marinating can make them plumper and even sweeter. This small step really helps them become luscious little bursts of flavor alongside the chicken.
How spicy is Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots?
The dish has gentle warmth from the spices, with the option to add cayenne pepper if you want more kick. As written, it’s flavorful but not overly spicy, making it a hit with kids and those who prefer milder heat.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Definitely! If the weather’s not cooperating or you don’t have a grill, you can make Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots under the broiler or in a hot cast-iron pan. You’ll still get those delicious caramelized edges and succulent chicken.
What other fruits could I use besides apricots?
While apricots are classic, dried figs, dates, or even plump golden raisins would work beautifully with the Moroccan flavors. Each brings its own twist of sweetness and texture to the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to elevate your grilling game or simply want to fall in love with new flavors, don’t hesitate to give Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots a try. From its intoxicating aroma to the perfect harmony of savory and sweet, this dish is certain to become a beloved staple in your home. Invite some friends, fire up the grill, and let this colorful, crowd-pleasing recipe wow everyone with every single bite!
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Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Apricots Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Moroccan Grilled Chicken with Apricots recipe is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for a summer grilling session. Tender chicken marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and honey, paired with the tangy sweetness of dried apricots, creates a dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken in a bag or dish, pour marinade over it, add apricots, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat grill, remove chicken from marinade, grill 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and charred.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, slice, garnish with herbs, and serve with couscous or rice.
Notes
- Soak apricots in warm water or orange juice for added flavor.
- Pair with yogurt sauce or tzatziki.
- Chicken can be broiled or pan-seared if grilling isn’t an option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with apricots
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
