Moroccan Chicken Bake

This Moroccan Chicken Bake made all in one casserole is bursting with flavors. Harissa pepper sauce, red peppers, shallots, garlic and tangy olives all add to the exciting flavors this dish brings to the table. Elevate the heat by choosing a spicier Harissa sauce or keep it mild! You do you! Do you love saucy chicken? Try some of my other easy chicken dinners like Apricot Chicken or Cherry Jalapeño Chicken.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Less than 10 ingredients: You will love that this recipe only has 9 ingredients and is made all in one casserole dish for ease of cleanup!

It is so flavorful: Purchasing premade Harissa sauce makes this dish so flavorful and you control the heat level too! Simply choose a mild or spicy Harissa sauce for this dish.

Ingredients You Will Need

Chicken thighs: I love using chicken thighs because they always come out juicy and tender from the extra fat that comes from the thighs. Also, because of the extra fat they never dry out like breast meat tends to if slightly overcooked.

Honey: I chose honey for this chicken bake for it's natural sweetness and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant benefits. You can use date syrup to keep this dish Whole30 friendly.

Shallot: Shallots are a type of onion that are a member of the allium family. Closely related to garlic, chives and onions. Having a mild, savory flavor with garlic undertones.

Garlic: Fresh is best for obtaining a little stronger touch of garlic flavor than the sweeter touch you would obtain from powder.

Olives: Green olives are loaded with healthy fats are a little less salty adding a bold, strong flavor to the dish.

Red bell peppers: The cooking process enhances the natural sweetness and the heat softens the peppers yet they still maintain a pleasant crunch.

Carrots: As a root vegetable, they are a perfect candidate for roasting, adding a natural sweetness and robust flavor.

Harissa red pepper sauce: A chili sauce or paste made from dried red chilis, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and warm spices like cumin, coriander and caraway seeds.

Salt: Elevates the overall flavor of this chicken bake. Always salt in moderation in accordance with your dietary preferences.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400˚

Layer the vegetables: Place carrots, peppers, shallots and garlic in a large oven proof casserole dish.

Add chicken and olives: Place chicken thighs on top and olives in the dish.

Mix the sauce: In a small bowl combine the Harissa sauce, honey and salt, mixing well.

Put the sauce on: Spoon the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

Bake: Bake one hour or till the chicken skin is crispy.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Ready made sauce: I like to buy the Harissa red pepper sauce ready made to save on time.

Prepping ahead: If you are prepping veggies over the weekend, pre-slice your peppers and have them ready to go saving time during the week.

Recipe Variations

Boneless chicken: You can easily swap boneless chicken in this recipe if you prefer.

Kalamata or black olives: If you are not a fan of green olives you can use black olives in place of the green.

Yellow onions: If you do not have shallots on hand and wish to use yellow or sweet onions, they will work just as well.

Storage Tips

This Moroccan Chicken Bake can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container, and it's freezer-safe for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Moroccan Chicken Bake

Does chicken bake better covered or uncovered?

Covering chicken bake during the baking process has its advantages in retaining moisture and creating even cooking.

What does Harissa sauce taste like?

It has a very peppery, smoky flavor and can range in levels of heat depending on the peppers and chilis used to make up the sauce.

Is Harissa the same as sriracha?

The flavor is slightly similar however sriracha tends to be sweeter than Harissa.