Poulet en Sauce Marocaine with almonds and cilantro
Easy

Poulet en Sauce Marocaine

(312)
50 min4370 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|May 22, 2024

Poulet en Sauce Marocaine is a warmly spiced Moroccan chicken dish in a rich tomato-based sauce with ras el hanout, cumin, cinnamon, and honey. The sauce is thick, aromatic, and clings to every piece of tender chicken. Garnished with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro, this is a weeknight-friendly taste of Morocco.

moroccanspicedtomato-saucearomatic

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Season Generously

Most home cooks under-season their chicken. I use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken, applied at least 30 minutes before cooking for the deepest flavour penetration.

About This Recipe

Poulet en Sauce Marocaine is a delightful gateway to the vibrant culinary traditions of Morocco, bringing warmth and spice to Canadian kitchens. This dish showcases tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like ras el hanout and cinnamon, creating a rich tapestry of flavours that dance on the palate. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting yet exotic, making it a beloved choice for home cooks eager to explore global cuisine from the comfort of their dining room.

What truly sets this dish apart is the balance of spice and sweetness, thanks to a touch of honey that rounds out the robust flavours. The sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, ensuring each bite is packed with taste. Garnished with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro, it not only tastes fantastic but looks stunning on the table, making it a hit for family meals or casual gatherings with friends. Canadians love to embrace diverse flavours, and this dish offers a wonderful way to do just that, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere around the dinner table.

Tips for the Best Poulet en Sauce Marocaine

To achieve perfectly tender chicken in Poulet en Sauce Marocaine, cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Start by browning the chicken pieces in olive oil to lock in moisture and flavour before adding the diced onion and garlic. Simmer gently in the sauce to prevent drying out; the longer it cooks, the more the spices meld together, enhancing the dish’s overall richness. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as the sauce thickens!

What to Serve With It

When serving Poulet en Sauce Marocaine, consider pairing it with fluffy couscous or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple side of roasted seasonal vegetables, like carrots and zucchini, will complement the dish beautifully while adding a pop of colour to your plate. For a refreshing touch, a side salad with citrus dressing can brighten the meal, making it a well-rounded dining experience that feels like a mini Moroccan getaway.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of Poulet en Sauce Marocaine can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the sauce from drying out. If you wish to freeze the dish, it can be stored for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal that tastes just as good as the first time.

Nutrition Per Serving

370
Calories
34g
Protein
18g
Fat
18g
Carbs
Fiber3g
Sugar8g
Sodium560mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?+

While bone-in chicken pieces provide more flavour and moisture, you can use boneless chicken. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying it out.

What can I substitute for ras el hanout?+

If you don’t have ras el hanout, you can create a substitute using equal parts cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon. This will mimic the complex flavours of the spice blend.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?+

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant and zucchini or use chickpeas for protein. Adjust cooking times accordingly for the vegetables.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?+

Yes! Poulet en Sauce Marocaine actually tastes better the next day as the flavours meld. Prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat before serving for an even richer taste.

What sides would go well with this dish?+

Serving this dish with fluffy couscous or Moroccan bread is traditional, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of herbed quinoa or a light salad with citrus dressing for a fresh contrast.

Reviews

4.8 / 5 (312 reviews)
Chris J.
Jan 25, 2025

Absolutely delicious! The whole family devoured it.

David Z.
Nov 4, 2025

Made this for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.

Justin A.
Feb 14, 2025

Best chicken recipe I have tried in a long time.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
10 min
Cook:
40 min
Total:
50 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Ras el hanout is a Moroccan spice blend available at most grocery stores.
  • 2Toast almonds in a dry pan for 3-4 minutes for the best flavour.
  • 3The sauce thickens as it cooks — add a splash of water if it gets too thick.

Variations

  • Add dried apricots or prunes for a traditional sweet element.
  • Use harissa paste for a spicier version.
  • Add chickpeas for extra protein.

International Chicken Recipes

Poulet en Sauce Marocaine

The Poulet en Sauce Marocaine recipe everyone keeps asking for. Here it is!

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Poulet en Sauce Marocaine with almonds and cilantro
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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