Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Moroccan Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash isn't just a meal—it's a passport to the vibrant, spice-laden streets of Morocco, where every bite tells a story of tradition and flavor. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a crispy golden skin, nestled on a bed of creamy, luxurious sweet potato mash that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Whether you're a home cook looking to spice up your weeknight routine or an adventurous foodie craving international cuisine, this recipe promises to transport you to North Africa without leaving your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- While onions are cooking, place cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet with onions, then transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain sweet potatoes and return to pot. Add milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, using a potato masher or hand mixer.
- Plate the sweet potato mash and top with roasted chicken thighs. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Spice Secrets: Toast your ground spices in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to enhance their depth and aroma.
- Chicken Crispy Technique: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfectly crisp skin.
- Sweet Potato Hack: For ultra-smooth mash, use a hand mixer or ricer instead of a traditional potato masher.
- Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Flavor Boosters: Consider garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for added texture and authenticity.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The spice rub can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for quick meal preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
