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North African Spiced Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 31 reviews

This North African Spiced Chicken recipe brings vibrant and aromatic spices to tender, juicy chicken thighs. Featuring a bold blend of turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, allspice, cinnamon, and cayenne, this dish is quickly seared for a flavorful crust and then finished in the oven to ensure perfect doneness. It’s a simple yet exotic meal that serves six and is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2.5 pounds chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
  • 3 Tablespoons avocado oil (or other high temperature cooking oil)
  • 1 Tablespoon turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Drizzle with avocado oil and sprinkle all the spices evenly over the chicken. Using a pair of tongs, thoroughly toss and turn the chicken pieces until each piece is well coated with the oil and spice mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and sear them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side to develop a flavorful crust and lock in the juices.
  3. Bake to Finish Cooking: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish if needed, then bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF (74ºC), indicating it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Notes

  • For juicier chicken, consider marinating the chicken with the spices and oil for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
  • If you prefer a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Serve with couscous, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete North African-inspired meal.
  • Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ºF to guarantee the chicken is safely cooked.
  • Avocado oil is recommended for its high smoke point; however, you can substitute with other high-heat oils like grapeseed or sunflower oil.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: North African