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moroccan million dollar chicken

Moroccan-Style Million Dollar Chicken

This exotic one-pan dish combines tender chicken thighs with warm Moroccan spices, sweet currants, and crunchy almonds. The fragrant blend of cinnamon and cumin creates a rich sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a meal worthy of its million-dollar name.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 425
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 8 chicken thighs skinned and boned
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons dried currants
  • 1 cup bottled salsa medium heat recommended
  • 1/4 cup almonds chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups couscous or rice cooked, for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Slotted spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped almonds and stir frequently until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chicken thighs. Sauté for about 5 minutes, turning once, until both sides are golden brown.
  3. While chicken browns, combine salsa, water, dried currants, honey, cumin, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken, stirring to coat each piece well.
  5. Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more water.
  6. While chicken cooks, prepare couscous or rice according to package directions.
  7. To serve, spoon couscous onto plates, top with chicken and sauce, then sprinkle with the reserved toasted almonds.

Notes

For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Raisins or dried cranberries can substitute for currants if needed. This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
For a complete meal, serve with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice, or some warm pita bread for scooping up the delicious sauce.