Moroccan chicken breast resting on a wooden board, sliced with juices glistening, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Breast

No Comments

Photo of author

By Millie Pham

If you’re bored with plain chicken, this Moroccan spiced chicken breast is here to wake up your taste buds. It’s full of warm spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, and cooks up golden and juicy in no time. It smells amazing, tastes even better, and it’s super easy—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels way more exciting than it should.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it takes simple chicken and turns it into something bold and flavorful without a lot of work. The spices do all the heavy lifting. I keep a jar of this spice mix in my cabinet because we use it on everything—chicken, veggies, even salmon.

Why you’ll love it too:

  • 🌿 Warm, bold flavors without being spicy
  • ⏱️ Cooks in under 20 minutes
  • 🔥 Perfect for the grill, stovetop, or oven
  • 🍽️ Great for meal prep or a cozy dinner
  • 🧄 Pairs with tons of sides (or over rice bowls!)

Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 2–3

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne or turmeric
  • Optional: chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

How to Make Moroccan Spiced Chicken Breast

1. Mix the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, mix together cumin, paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.

Moroccan spice blend being mixed in a small bowl, showing warm-toned spices like paprika, cumin, and cinnamon combined with garlic powder and pepper.

2. Season the Chicken

Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat both sides evenly with the spice blend.

raw chicken breasts on a plate being rubbed with olive oil and coated in a vibrant Moroccan spice blend, fully covered and ready to cook

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Moroccan spiced chicken breasts sizzling in a hot skillet, with dark golden crust forming and steam rising.

4. Rest and Slice

Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes, then slice and serve.

 Moroccan chicken breast resting on a wooden board, sliced with juices glistening, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.

What to Serve With It

This chicken is super versatile! Here are a few tasty sides:

  • 🥣 Couscous or quinoa with herbs and lemon
  • 🥗 Chopped cucumber-tomato salad
  • 🍞 Warm pita or naan
  • 🧄 Roasted carrots or cauliflower
  • 🍋 Yogurt sauce or garlic aioli on the side

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely—just adjust the cook time a bit since thighs take longer.

Is this spicy?
Only if you add cayenne! Without it, the flavors are warm but not hot.

Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, or until the chicken hits 165°F.

What if I don’t have one of the spices?
No problem. The cumin, paprika, and cinnamon are the key ones—just use what you have.

Can I meal prep this?
Totally! It reheats really well and is great sliced over rice bowls or salads.

Enjoy!

This Moroccan Spiced Chicken Breast is juicy, bold, and seriously easy. Whether you’re making it for meal prep or dinner tonight, it brings a little flavor adventure to your plate—without a ton of effort. 🍗✨🌍

Leave a Comment