Moroccan Chicken with Tomatoes and Eggplant
with quinoa / yogurt
Braising (searing and then roasting in a closed pan) is a hands-off cooking technique that yields tender meat. For something different, we suggest trying this dish with chicken drumsticks, but boneless chicken thighs will cook in a shorter amount of time.
Smarts #1: Just about any spice blend will work here (though the final flavor will obviously be very different), so if you already have za’atar, Cajun blend, or even a BBQ rub, feel free to sub those for the ras el hanout.
Smarts #2: This recipe could be made in the Instant Pot. For tips, join the Cook Smarts Instant Pot Facebook Group.
Smarts #1: Just about any spice blend will work here (though the final flavor will obviously be very different), so if you already have za’atar, Cajun blend, or even a BBQ rub, feel free to sub those for the ras el hanout.
Smarts #2: This recipe could be made in the Instant Pot. For tips, join the Cook Smarts Instant Pot Facebook Group.
Tags
Proteins
Cuisines
Ingredients
Ras El Hanout:
- Coriander, ground - 1 tsp
- Salt - 1/2 tsp
- Cumin - 1/2 tsp
- Paprika - 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric, ground (opt) - 1/2 tsp
- Cinnamon - 1/4 tsp
- Cardamom, ground (opt) - 1/4 tsp
- Red pepper flakes - 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper - 1/4 tsp
Moroccan Chicken:
- Onions, medium and red - 1/2 , diced
- Ginger - 1 tsp , grated
- Ras El Hanout (ingredients listed separately) - 2 tsp + 2 tsp
- Chicken drumsticks - 4 (sub boneless chicken thighs)
- Eggplant - 1 lb , cubed (Japanese or Chinese eggplant if available)
- Mint - 6 leaves , thinly sliced
- Oil, cooking - 1 Tbsp + 1 Tbsp
- Diced tomatoes, preferably petite-diced (14 oz / 397 g) - 1 can
- Stock, any type - 1/4 cup
- Yogurt, plain or Greek - 1/2 cup , plus more for serving
Quinoa:
- Quinoa, uncooked - 3/4 cup
- Stock, any type - 1 1/2 cups
Prep
- Quinoa - (Double if making Wednesday’s meal. If prepping right before cooking, get oven heating first.) Combine quinoa with stock (portion for quinoa) in a saucepan. Add some salt. Bring to a boil covered. Lower heat, keep covered, and cook until liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
- Make ras el hanout - Combine coriander, salt, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
- Onions / Ginger - Prep as directed and combine. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
- Season chicken - Rub first portion of ras el hanout on all sides of chicken. (Can be done 1 day ahead)
- Eggplant / Mint - Prep as directed. (Note: You can peel the eggplant first or leave the peel on.)
Unlock this meal along with hundreds of smart meal plans and never stress about "What's for dinner?" again
Try for freeLearn More
Make
- Heat oven to 425F / 218C.
- Heat an oven-safe Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add first portion oil and then chicken. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Set chicken aside and return pan to heat.
- Add second portion of oil and then onions, ginger, and eggplant with a pinch of salt. Saute until vegetables are tender, ~7 minutes.
- Add second portion of ras el hanout and saute until fragrant, ~1 minute.
- Add tomatoes (including liquid) and stock (portion for chicken).
- Nestle chicken into vegetables and cover pan with a lid.
- Transfer to oven and roast, covered, until chicken is cooked through and registers 165 F / 74 C in the thickest part. (This should take 26 to 28 minutes for chicken drumsticks; 18 to 20 minutes for chicken thighs.)
- If cooking drumsticks, remove lid from the pan and continue cooking chicken, uncovered, for an additional 6 to 8 minutes to let the chicken drumstick skin get slightly crisp.
- If quinoa was made ahead, reheat in the microwave (reserve half if doubled).
- Serve chicken and vegetables over quinoa with yogurt and mint on top. Enjoy!
Reviews
Ratings
0 reviews