Moulay Abdallah Chicken
A flavorful and aromatic chicken dish, often prepared for special occasions, featuring a rich sauce with spices, onions, and sometimes dried fruits.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken(cut into 8 pieces)
- 3 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Water or chicken broth
- 0.5 cup Dried apricots or prunes(optional, for sweetness)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot and sear them on all sides until lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Pour in the water or chicken broth. If using dried fruits, add them now. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- 5
Uncover the pot and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6
Serve the chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It is traditionally served with couscous or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.
- ✓Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce for a deeper color and flavor.
- Include a handful of blanched almonds for added texture.