Moroccan chicken stew is a hearty and flavorful meal that brings the exotic tastes of North Africa to your dining table. This dish is renowned for its aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a plethora of vegetables, all served over fluffy couscous.

Ingredients

• For the Stew:
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup of carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup of butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• For the Couscous:
  • 1 cup of whole-wheat couscous
  • 1 1/2 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

Stew Preparation

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Cook Chicken: Add chicken chunks to the pot, and cook until they begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Spices: Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Simmer: Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chickpeas, carrots, and butternut squash. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Couscous Preparation

1. Boil Liquid: In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add olive oil and salt.
2. Cook Couscous: Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. Serve: Serve the stew over a bed of couscous.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

The following nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 9g
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 500mg