Grilled Moroccan Chicken Breasts

Infused with bold and aromatic spices, Grilled Moroccan Chicken Breasts are a flavorful delight perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues. This recipe showcases a tantalizing blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic, complemented by the bright acidity of lemon juice and the richness of olive oil. The chicken is marinated to tenderize and absorb the fragrant spices, then grilled to juicy perfection with a subtle char. Garnished with fresh cilantro and optionally paired with creamy yogurt, this dish delivers a savory, exotic taste of Morocco in every bite. Quick to prepare, yet bursting with complex flavors, this recipe is a go-to for healthy, globally-inspired cooking.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 0.5 cup plain yogurt (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to form a marinade.

Step 3

Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.

Step 4

Refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

Step 5

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and allow any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.

Step 7

Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain the juices.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with a side of plain yogurt, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	908.1 grams (908.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1653

Total Fat 71.20g	91%
Saturated Fat 15.30g	77%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 604mg	201%
Sodium 2945mg	128%
Total Carbohydrate 15.60g	6%
Dietary Fiber 3.20g	11%
Total Sugars 6.80g
Protein 222.50g	445%

Vitamin D 71IU	355%
Calcium 299mg	23%
Iron 11mg	58%
Potassium 2201mg	47%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.2%

Protein: 55.9%

Carbs: 3.9%