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. It is made all in one casserole dish for ease of cleanup! This method is perfect for your Moroccan chicken bake.

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. This fat comes from the thighs. Additionally, because of the extra fat they never dry out like breast meat tends to if slightly overcooked. I like Grass Roots Coop for my meat purchases. They’re perfect for a Moroccan-inspired chicken bake.

Honey: I chose honey for this chicken bake for its 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. This is preferred over the sweeter touch you would obtain from powder.

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

Red bell peppers: The cooking process enhances the natural sweetness. 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: It is a chili sauce or paste made from dried red chilis, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and warm spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. This adds a signature touch to any Moroccan chicken bake creation.

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. This crafts the layers for your Moroccan chicken bake.

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. Having them ready to go saves time during the week.

Recipe Variations

Boneless chicken: You can easily swap boneless chicken in this recipe if you prefer, varying your Moroccan chicken bake approach.

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. 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. It helps in retaining moisture and creating even cooking, especially when making Moroccan chicken bake.

What does Harissa sauce taste like?

It has a very peppery, smoky flavor. The heat can vary 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.