In search of a flavorful and nutritious dish? Try these Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers accompanied with Lemon Couscous and Roasted Vegetables. This scrumptious recipe is ideal for a summer grill-out or a casual weeknight meal, and can be easily tailored to your likings. Here are all the details to prepare this delectable dish.
Ingredients You Need to Make Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers with Lemon Couscous and Roasted Vegetables
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 red onion, sliced into wedges
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 2 yellow bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique spices. The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon in this recipe creates a deliciously complex flavor profile that will transport your taste buds to North Africa.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. The lemon couscous and roasted vegetables make a great base for any protein, and the Moroccan spice blend will add a burst of flavor to any dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers with Lemon Couscous and Roasted Vegetables
1. In a large bowl, mix together the cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
2. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
3. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
4. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the couscous, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in the lemon zest.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss the red onion, red and yellow bell peppers, and zucchini with the olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
6. Serve the chicken skewers and roasted vegetables with the lemon couscous and enjoy!
7. Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique spice blends. The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon in this recipe creates a delicious and aromatic marinade for the chicken.
8. Lemon couscous is a refreshing and light side dish that pairs perfectly with the spiced chicken and roasted vegetables. The addition of lemon zest adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the couscous.
How to Marinate Chicken for Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers
Marinating the chicken gives it a lot of flavor and makes it tender. To make the marinade, mix together cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
When marinating chicken, it’s important to use a non-reactive container such as glass or plastic. Avoid using metal containers as the acid in the marinade can react with the metal and give the chicken a metallic taste. Additionally, make sure to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Tips for Perfectly Grilling Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers
To ensure that your chicken is cooked perfectly, make sure that your grill or grill pan is heated to medium-high heat before cooking. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Make sure to soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of Moroccan spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse the chicken with delicious, aromatic flavors that will take your skewers to the next level.
When grilling, be sure to keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking. If the chicken starts to char or burn, move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before removing it from the grill.
How to Make Lemon Couscous from Scratch
Cook 1 cup of couscous according to the package instructions, but substitute vegetable broth for water. When the couscous is done, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest.
For added flavor, you can also add in some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mint. Simply mix in a handful of chopped herbs into the couscous after adding the lemon zest.
If you want to make this dish more filling, you can also add in some protein such as grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas. Simply mix in the protein of your choice into the couscous and lemon zest mixture before serving.
The Best Way to Roast Vegetables for This Recipe
To roast vegetables for this recipe, preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss sliced red onion, red and yellow bell peppers, and sliced zucchini with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and add depth of flavor to any dish. When roasting vegetables, it’s important to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add more flavor to your roasted vegetables.
If you’re looking to make your roasted vegetables even healthier, try using avocado oil instead of olive oil. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, which means it can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down and releasing harmful compounds. It also contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
A Vegan Twist: Moroccan Spiced Tofu Skewers with Lemon Couscous and Roasted Vegetables
If you’re looking for a vegan version of this recipe, simply substitute tofu for the chicken. Press the tofu and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Follow the same marinade instructions as for the chicken, and then thread the tofu onto skewers. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Serve with the lemon couscous and roasted vegetables.
Not only is this vegan version of the recipe a great option for those who don’t eat meat, but it also provides a healthy dose of protein from the tofu. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and is also low in calories and fat. Additionally, the Moroccan spices used in this recipe provide a flavorful and aromatic twist to the dish, making it a great option for a dinner party or special occasion.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers and Lemon Couscous
This dish is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus. You can also serve it with a simple green salad or grilled pita bread.
If you’re looking to add some more vegetables to your meal, consider serving the chicken skewers and couscous with a side of roasted vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant all pair well with the Moroccan spices in the dish.
For a refreshing drink to accompany the meal, try making a pitcher of mint lemonade. Simply mix fresh lemon juice, water, sugar, and chopped mint leaves together and serve over ice.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients in This Recipe
This recipe is packed with healthy ingredients. Chicken is a great source of protein, while couscous is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. The vegetables provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. Olive oil is also a healthy source of monounsaturated fats.
In addition to the health benefits mentioned above, this recipe also contains garlic, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower cholesterol levels. Garlic is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.
Furthermore, the herbs used in this recipe, such as parsley and cilantro, are rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects. These herbs also contain vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers of Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers with Lemon Couscous and Roasted Vegetables
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat in a skillet until heated through.
With this recipe, you can make a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Try it out and impress your friends and family!
One tip for storing leftovers is to separate the chicken skewers from the couscous and vegetables before storing. This will help prevent the couscous from becoming soggy and the vegetables from losing their texture. When reheating, you can either reheat each component separately or mix them together for a quick and easy meal.