If you’re craving a dish that bursts with exotic flavors yet comes together with surprising ease, this Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers Recipe is your new go-to. With tender chunks of chicken infused with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and a hint of cinnamon, these skewers deliver an authentic Moroccan experience without any fuss. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or impressing guests at a barbecue, these skewers bring the perfect balance of smoky, citrusy, and savory notes that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, ensuring the chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with that signature Moroccan aroma.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into even cubes for uniform cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Enhances flavor and keeps the chicken wonderfully moist during grilling.
- 4 cloves minced garlic: Adds a robust punch of flavor that ties in beautifully with the spices.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Essential for that unmistakable warm, earthy Moroccan taste.
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander: Brings a fresh, citrusy note that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smoky depth, enriching the grilled chicken’s character.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a delicate sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Crucial for enhancing all the natural flavors in the marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that isn’t overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Tenderizes the chicken and injects brightness and zing.
- 1 set metal or wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
How to Make Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless chicken breast into uniform cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Uniformity in size is key here, so take your time with this prep to guarantee perfect results.
Step 2: Mix the Spices
In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This vibrant spice mix forms the heart of your marinade, bringing that authentic Moroccan flavor to every bite.
Step 3: Create the Marinade
Pour in the olive oil and the fresh lemon juice to your spice blend. Whisk everything together until the marinade is smooth and well blended. This mixture will coat the chicken, infusing it with moisture, zing, and a wonderful depth of taste.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. For even better results, allow the chicken to marinate overnight—this extra time amps up the deliciousness.
Step 5: Prepare Your Grill
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat and make sure the grate is clean and oiled. This prep prevents sticking, giving your skewers those beautiful grill marks and inimitable smoky char.
Step 6: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little breathing room between each piece. This spacing allows heat to circulate, ensuring each cube cooks evenly.
Step 7: Grill to Perfection
Place your chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes. This routine keeps the chicken juicy, achieves even cooking, and allows those spices to caramelize beautifully.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers are now ready to dazzle. Serve them warm, and get ready to swoon over that perfect blend of spices and grill-smoked goodness.
How to Serve Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro bring a burst of color and brightness that perfectly complements the warming spices. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of tangy yogurt sauce can also add an exciting touch.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with fluffy couscous, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or warm pita bread. Each side adds textural contrast and helps soak up the delicious juices and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers over a bed of fragrant saffron rice or alongside roasted vegetables dusted with similar spices. Presenting the skewers with colorful chopped nuts or a zesty harissa sauce can bring a vibrant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled promptly helps retain their freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers Recipe later, freeze the marinated raw chicken cubes in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Once thawed, grill them as usual for a quick meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers gently in a preheated oven or on the grill to avoid drying out the chicken. Cover them with foil if warming in the oven to maintain moisture, or reheat briefly on medium heat on the grill.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving to grill, which can make your skewers even more succulent. Just adjust the grilling time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, keeping the skewers safe and intact while cooking.
How spicy is this Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers Recipe?
This recipe balances warmth and fragrance without being overly spicy. If you like more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped fresh chili to the marinade.
Can I cook these skewers indoors?
Definitely! You can grill them on a stovetop grill pan or broil them in the oven. Just watch carefully to avoid overcooking, turning them frequently for even char and doneness.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
Marinating for at least one hour is essential, but letting the chicken sit overnight really lets those Moroccan spices soak in deeply, making every bite flavorful and tender.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers Recipe is like opening a door to a world of vibrant spices and tender, juicy chicken that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether for a relaxed weeknight dinner or your next backyard party, these skewers are guaranteed to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Description
Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled dish featuring tender chicken breast marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your barbecue spread, these skewers deliver a delicious taste of Morocco with every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into even cubes for uniform cooking)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (enhances flavor and keeps chicken moist)
- 4 cloves minced garlic (adds robust flavor)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin (essential for Moroccan flavor)
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander (introduces a fresh, citrusy note)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (lends smoky depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (enhances sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (crucial for flavor enhancement)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (provides gentle heat)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (tenderizes chicken and adds brightness)
Other
- 1 set metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized cubes approximately 1 to 1.5 inches to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Mix Spices: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the spice base for the marinade.
- Create Marinade: Add the olive oil and lemon juice to the spice mixture and whisk everything together thoroughly to form a cohesive marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the cubed chicken into the bowl and toss until each piece is generously coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Thread Skewers: Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread the pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each cube to promote even cooking.
- Grill Chicken: Place the skewers onto the preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even grilling and to achieve a nice char.
- Rest Skewers: Once cooked through and juices run clear, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness.
- Serve: Serve the Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers warm, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
- Chicken is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Can be served with couscous, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For a smoky flavor without a grill, use an indoor grill pan or broil in the oven, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
