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A rustic wooden table with a large traditional tagine surrounded by fluffy golden couscous, tender chicken pieces, caramelized onions, chickpeas, and raisins. Moroccan spices in small bowls nearby. Warm, inviting lighting with steam rising from the dish.

Traditional Moroccan Chicken Couscous

Authentic Moroccan chicken couscous featuring tender chicken simmered in aromatic spices, fluffy steamed couscous, caramelized onions, and sweet raisins. This traditional recipe delivers the true flavors of North African cuisine.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 kg whole chicken cut into pieces
  • 500 g couscous medium grain
  • 2 large onions sliced
  • 1 cup chickpeas cooked
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ras el hanout
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Sliced almonds toasted (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken broth: In a large pot, combine chicken pieces, half the onions, salt, turmeric, ginger, coriander, ras el hanout, cinnamon stick, and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-55 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  2. Prepare the couscous (first steam): While chicken simmers, place dry couscous in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and rub between your hands to coat grains. Add 1 cup warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then break up any clumps with your fingers.
  3. Steam couscous (first round): Transfer couscous to a couscoussier or steamer basket lined with cheesecloth. Place over the simmering chicken pot and steam for 35-40 minutes, uncovered.
  4. Fluff and rest couscous: Transfer steamed couscous back to the bowl. Add 1 cup of warm broth from the chicken pot and 2 tablespoons butter. Fluff with a fork and let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Steam couscous (second round): Return couscous to the steamer and steam for another 15-20 minutes until light and fluffy.
  6. Caramelize onions: In a separate pan, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add remaining sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Add raisins in the last 5 minutes.
  7. Assemble the dish: Mound the fluffy couscous on a large serving platter. Arrange chicken pieces on top. Spoon some of the cooking broth over the couscous. Top with caramelized onions, raisins, and chickpeas.
  8. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted sliced almonds. Serve with extra broth on the side for those who prefer more moisture.

Video

Notes

Recipe Notes:
- For best results, use a traditional couscoussier (two-tier steamer pot)
- If you don't have a couscoussier, use a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth placed over a large pot
- Instant couscous can be used for a quicker version but won't achieve the same authentic texture
- Chicken can be substituted with lamb for variation
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat with a splash of broth to prevent drying
Recipe Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Cholesterol: 75 mg