Main Course · Dinner · African ·

Fragrant Moroccan Chicken M'hammar with Saffron

Name: Fragrant Moroccan Chicken M'hammar with Saffron
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 200 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Whole chicken, about 3-4 lbs, cut into pieces; Ground ginger, 2 tbsp; Paprika, 2 tbsp; Ground cumin, 1 tbsp; Olive oil, 2 tbsp; Garlic cloves, 4 cloves, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; Saffron threads, 1 pinch; Warm water, 1 cup; Onions, 2, finely chopped; Fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup, chopped; Fresh parsley, 1/2 cup, chopped; Lemon juice, Juice of 1 lemon; Olive oil, 1/4 cup; Almonds, 1/4 cup, toasted; Raisins, 1/4 cup, soaked in warm water until plump

Discover the aromatic flavors of Morocco with this exquisite chicken dish infused with spices and saffron.

4(346 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 3, 2025

Fragrant Moroccan Chicken M'hammar with Saffron — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

50 min

Cook

2 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Chicken Marinade

For the Saffron Infusion

For the Sauce

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 762 kcal
Protein: 45.08 g
Carbs: 20.68 g
Fat: 58 g
Fiber: 4.28 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3049 kcal
Protein: 180.3 g
Carbs: 82.7 g
Fat: 232 g
Fiber: 17.1 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Whole chicken about 3-4 lbs, cut into pieces	1800	165	0	130	0
Ground ginger 2 tbsp	36	0.7	8	0.4	1.6
Paprika 2 tbsp	38	1.8	7.5	2	4.8
Ground cumin 1 tbsp	22	1.1	2.6	1.3	1.4
Olive oil 2 tbsp	238	0	0	27	0
Garlic cloves 4 cloves, minced	18	0.8	4.2	0	0.2
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Saffron threads 1 pinch	0	0	0.1	0	0
Warm water 1 cup	0	0	0	0	0
Onions 2, finely chopped	92	2	21	0.2	4
Fresh cilantro 1/2 cup, chopped	1	0.1	0.1	0	0.1
Fresh parsley 1/2 cup, chopped	1	0.1	0.2	0	0.1
Lemon juice Juice of 1 lemon	12	0.2	4	0	0.1
Olive oil 1/4 cup	477	0	0	54	0
Almonds 1/4 cup, toasted	206	7.5	7	18	4.3
Raisins 1/4 cup, soaked in warm water until plump	108	1	28	0.1	1.5

These are estimates and not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

1
Combine spices and oil
In a large bowl, combine ground ginger, paprika, cumin, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2
Rub marinade onto chicken
Rub the mixture thoroughly onto the chicken pieces.
3
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Tip: Ensure the chicken is covered well while marinating to prevent drying. Pro Tip: Use bone-in chicken pieces for more flavor and moisture.

Preparing the Saffron Infusion

1
Steep saffron
Place saffron threads in a small bowl.
2
Add warm water
Pour warm water over the saffron and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.

How to Make Fragrant Moroccan Chicken M'hammar with Saffron

Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Browning the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sear marinated chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown.
2
Sautéing the Aromatics
Remove the chicken and reduce heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, then stir in the saffron infusion, cilantro, and parsley.
3
Final Cooking
Return the chicken to the pot, squeeze lemon juice over it, cover, and simmer until completely cooked and tender.