How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor, and prepare the couscous a few hours ahead.

What can I substitute for preserved lemons?

Use fresh lemon zest and juice if preserved lemons are unavailable.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Increase or decrease the amount of harissa paste in the yogurt sauce to suit your preference.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Substitute quinoa for couscous to make it gluten-free.

Moroccan Spiced Preserved Lemon Chicken Skewers with Minted Couscous

Name: Moroccan Spiced Preserved Lemon Chicken Skewers with Minted Couscous
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breast; 2 tablespoons preserved lemon; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 2 cloves garlic; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup couscous; 1.5 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons fresh mint; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt to taste; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon harissa paste; Juice of ½ lemon

A Taste of Morocco on a Skewer

Succulent chicken skewers infused with the vibrant flavors of Moroccan spices and preserved lemon, served alongside fluffy minted couscous.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers

1.5 lbs chicken breast

cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons preserved lemon

finely chopped

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

2 cloves garlic

minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Minted Couscous

1 cup couscous

1.5 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons fresh mint

finely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt to taste

For the Sauce

1 cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon harissa paste

Juice of ½ lemon

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Combine spices and aromatics

In a large bowl, combine preserved lemon, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Coat the chicken

Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Marinate

Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Ensure chicken is thoroughly marinated for the best flavor infusion.

Preparing the Couscous

Heat the broth

Heat chicken broth in a saucepan until boiling.

Cook the couscous

Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes.

Toast the couscous in a dry pan for a minute before adding to the broth for a nutty flavor.

Fluff and season

Fluff with a fork, then stir in olive oil, mint, and salt.

Cooking Process

Grilling the Skewers

Thread chicken onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side.

Preparing the Sauce

Mix yogurt, harissa paste, and lemon juice until smooth.

Finishing Touches

Serve skewers with minted couscous and drizzle with yogurt sauce.

Plating & Serving