Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken
Introduction
Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken is a game-changer for busy cooks who crave bold, exotic flavors without laboring over the stove for hours. With fragrant spices, tender chicken, and a medley of vegetables, this dish brings the alluring tapestry of Moroccan cuisine to your table in under an hour—thanks to the power of an Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart.
This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a fuss-free dinner that’s hearty, healthy, and bursting with North African flair. It’s impressive enough for entertaining and quick enough for a weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Moroccan Chicken
Moroccan Chicken stands out with its fragrant blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika, coming together in a deeply flavorful sauce with preserved lemons, olives, and sweet dried fruit. Cooking it in the Instant Pot guarantees succulent chicken and richly seasoned vegetables—every bite is both comforting and adventurous.
This dish’s versatility means you can serve it with rice, couscous, or crusty bread, and it freezes beautifully for make-ahead meal prep.
Choosing and Prepping Your Ingredients
For authentic flavor, use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, as they stay juicy and tender under pressure. For perfect vegetable prep, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes dicing your onions, carrots, and bell peppers a breeze, guaranteeing even cooking and beautiful presentation.
Quality spices matter here—use fresh-ground where possible for a fuller aroma. If you don’t have preserved lemons, a mix of fresh lemon zest and juice offers a bright substitute.
Quick Cooking and One-Pot Assembly
The Instant Pot makes braising effortless: start with a simple sauté, then layer in aromatic spices, tomatoes, vegetables, and chicken. Pressure cooking melds everything together rapidly, infusing the chicken with the deep notes of Moroccan seasoning.
The sauce thickens naturally—with no need for constant monitoring—leaving you free to set the table or whip up a simple side salad. Once done, you can easily shred the chicken with a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black for a beautiful, rustic presentation.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Moroccan Chicken atop a bed of fluffy couscous or with a side of toasted flatbread. For lunches or meal-prep, portion leftovers into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for fresh, flavorful meals throughout the week.
A simple cucumber-yogurt salad and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley elevate the dish beautifully—don’t forget a wedge of lemon for a touch of brightness at the table.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each serving (with bone-in thigh and vegetables) delivers approximately 320 calories, 12g fat, 28g protein, and 18g carbohydrates—making it a balanced, nourishing main course without excess heaviness.
Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Recap
With its symphony of Moroccan spices, tender chicken, and aromatic sauce, this Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken recipe is guaranteed to become a staple for flavor chasers and weeknight dinner heroes alike. It’s deliciously unique, easy to prepare, and supremely satisfying—Moroccan comfort in under an hour.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to “Sauté” mode. When hot, add olive oil, then onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne. Toast the spices, stirring, until fragrant—about 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), golden raisins/apricots, preserved lemon (or zest and juice), and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Nestle chicken thighs in the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and pressure cook on “Manual” for 12 minutes.
- Natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release remaining pressure. Open lid and add olives. Stir and (optionally) shred chicken using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black.
- Switch to “Sauté” mode to reduce sauce to your desired consistency, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley. Pair with couscous, rice, or flatbread. Store leftovers in a Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy grab-and-go meals.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (includes pressure building/release)
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Enjoy the bold flavors and simplicity of Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken as a vibrant centerpiece for any dinner!