Flavorful Spiced Chicken
A succulent chicken dish featuring a rich, aromatic marinade inspired by Middle Eastern and Moroccan flavors. Perfect for a hearty, healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 unit chicken breasts boneless
- 2 tsp cumin ground
- 2 tsp paprika sweet or smoked
- 1 tsp coriander ground
- 0.5 tsp turmeric ground
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 0.5 tsp cinnamon ground
- 0.25 tsp cardamom ground
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- 1. In a medium bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, black pepper, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk well to combine.
- 2. Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for optimal flavor, marinate overnight (up to 12 hours).
- 3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking, or preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- 4. For baking: Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. For grilling: Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through with nice char marks and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- 5. Remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator. Adjust the spice levels to your preference. This chicken is delicious served with couscous, rice pilaf, a fresh cucumber-tomato salad, or roasted vegetables.