Quick Moroccan chicken dinner in one pot with vegetables and chickpeas

Quick Moroccan Chicken Dinner in One Pot

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Quick Moroccan Chicken Dinner in One Pot delivers bold, aromatic flavors in under 45 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Chef Rachel designed this streamlined recipe for busy weeknights when you crave the warmth of Moroccan spices but need dinner on the table fast. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, vegetables, and Mediterranean ingredients into a satisfying, high-protein meal perfect for quick dinners and healthy meal prep bowls.

Quick Moroccan chicken dinner in one pot with vegetables and chickpeas

Quick Moroccan Chicken Dinner in One Pot

A fast, flavorful one-pot Moroccan chicken dinner with vegetables, chickpeas, and warm spices, perfect for busy weeknights and Mediterranean meal prep bowls.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks – 1.5 lb
  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp
  • Yellow onion chopped – 1 medium
  • Garlic cloves minced – 3
  • Fresh ginger minced – 1 tbsp
  • Ground cumin – 1.5 tsp
  • Paprika – 1 tsp
  • Ground coriander – 1 tsp
  • Ground turmeric – 0.5 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon – 0.5 tsp
  • Salt – 1.25 tsp plus more to taste
  • Black pepper – 0.5 tsp
  • Red bell pepper chopped – 1 large
  • Zucchini chopped – 1 medium
  • Canned diced tomatoes with juices – 1 can 14–15 oz
  • Cooked chickpeas drained and rinsed – 1 can (15 oz)
  • Chicken broth or vegetable stock – 1 cup
  • Dried apricots or raisins chopped – 0.25 cup (optional)
  • Fresh lemon juice – 2 tbsp
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped – 0.25 cup

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid; Cutting board and knife; Wooden spoon; Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Season chicken pieces with part of the salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown chicken on all sides; remove to a plate.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onion until softened, then add garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, remaining salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant.
  4. Stir in bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  5. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, chicken broth, and dried fruit if using; stir to combine.
  6. Return browned chicken and any juices to the pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  7. Stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs, adjust seasoning, and serve hot over grains or as a hearty stew.

Notes

This dish thickens as it sits; add a splash of broth when reheating for a looser consistency. For gut-friendly probiotic benefits, top with Greek yogurt or serve with fermented pickles on the side.

Introduction

Chef Rachel created Quick Moroccan Chicken Dinner in One Pot after listening to readers who wanted authentic Moroccan flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. She starts by searing chicken thighs in a large pot, then builds layers of flavor with onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of cumin, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander. Quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini join chickpeas and tomatoes in a fragrant broth that simmers just long enough to meld the spices and tenderize the chicken. Each serving packs 32 grams of protein, plenty of fiber, and gut-friendly ingredients that support digestive health as part of a balanced Mediterranean diet. This recipe also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep bowls, Mediterranean grain bowls, and leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate per serving – 1/4 of recipe)

NutrientAmount
Calories420 kcal
Protein32 g
Total Fat16 g
Carbohydrates38 g
Fiber6 g
Sugars6 g
Sodium580 mg

Tips and Variations for Quick Moroccan Chicken Dinner in One Pot

  • Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for faster cooking and easier portioning, or swap for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner protein.
  • Add probiotic-rich ingredients like preserved lemons, Greek yogurt as a topping, or fermented vegetables to support gut health in a Mediterranean-style meal.
  • For extra vegetables and fiber, stir in spinach, kale, cauliflower, or sweet potato during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
  • Serve over couscous, quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice to create complete Mediterranean bowls for meal prep or family dinners.
  • Top each bowl with fresh herbs, lemon juice, toasted almonds, or a drizzle of tahini for added flavor, healthy fats, and visual appeal.

FAQs

1. Can I make Quick Moroccan Chicken Dinner in One Pot ahead for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

2. What can I serve with this quick Moroccan chicken dinner?
Serve it over couscous, rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread, and add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced Mediterranean meal.

3. How do I make this recipe dairy-free and gut-friendly?
The base recipe is naturally dairy-free. For gut-friendly probiotic benefits, top bowls with dairy-free yogurt or serve with fermented vegetables like pickled turnips.

4. Can I make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Yes, brown the chicken using the sauté function, add remaining ingredients, and pressure cook for 10 minutes or slow cook on low for 4–5 hours.

Discover more quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pot recipes on MealZyt.com in categories like Moroccan One-Pot Dinners, Easy Global Recipes, and Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep. For weekly inspiration and Mediterranean meal ideas, follow MealZyt on Pinterest and Facebook, and save this Quick Moroccan Chicken Dinner in One Pot to boards like High Protein Meals, Healthy Family Dinners, Comfort Food Lightened Up, Easy Moroccan Recipes & One Pot Meals, and Freezer Friendly Meals & Prep Ideas.