• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Healthy Recipes Blog
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility Statement
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility Statement
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Chicken and Poultry Recipes » Grilled Moroccan Chicken

    Grilled Moroccan Chicken

    Last updated: Dec 17, 2021 · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy · Accessibility

    Jump to Recipe Card

    A well-seasoned yogurt marinade ensures that this grilled Moroccan chicken is wonderfully flavorful and very juicy.

    After marinating the chicken for 30 minutes, prep time is just 10 minutes and cook time is another 10, so this is a truly easy recipe, suitable for a weeknight dinner.

    Grilled Moroccan chicken, sliced and served on a white plate.

    I'm always on the lookout for well-seasoned and interesting ways to cook chicken. This recipe fits the bill. It's a wonderfully flavorful yet simple preparation for chicken breasts.

    Marinated in a well-seasoned yogurt marinade for just a short time, the chicken turns out incredibly juicy and flavorful. I'm not usually a fan of chicken breast, but I have to admit that when well prepared, it CAN be delicious.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Variations
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storing leftovers
    • Related recipes
    • Recipe card

    Ingredients

    You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty Moroccan-style chicken. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

    Greek yogurt: Use whole-milk yogurt for the best flavor. I tried using nonfat yogurt and it wasn't as good.

    Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil tastes best. If you'd rather use an oil with a higher smoke point, you can use avocado oil instead.

    Minced garlic: You can mince it yourself, or use the stuff that comes in a jar. Freshly minced does taste significantly better.

    Salt and pepper: Kosher salt is best. If using fine salt, use half the amount listed, or the dish could end up too salty.

    Spices: I like to use paprika, cumin, and cayenne. Make sure the spices you use are fresh! A stale spice can easily ruin a dish.

    Fresh chicken: I use boneless skinless chicken breasts in this recipe.

    Instructions

    Making this Moroccan chicken recipe is easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

    You start by whisking together the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.

    Grease your grill, and grill the chicken until cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side.

    Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then serve.

    A photo collage showing the steps for making grilled Moroccan chicken.

    Expert tip

    As always when cooking whole chicken breasts (or whole roasts), it's important to allow the cooked chicken to rest before you slice it, allowing the juices to settle and redistribute.

    There's nothing more distressing than cutting into a juicy piece of meat and seeing all the juices gush out of it into the cutting board!

    Frequently asked questions

    What is Moroccan seasoning?

    Moroccan spices typically include spices such as cumin, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Some say that Moroccan cuisine is actually very similar to Indian cuisine.

    What type of grill should I use?

    I use a dual-contact electric grill to make this recipe. You can use a grill pan or an outdoor grill.

    Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

    Yes. Try baking it in a 450°F oven for around 15 minutes (for 6 oz pieces) and up to 30 minutes if your chicken pieces are larger, loosely covering them with foil after the initial 20 minutes.

    Variations

    I love this recipe as is and almost always make it as written. But in case you'd like to vary the basic recipe, here are a few ideas for you:

    • You can use plain whole-milk yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. The marinade won't be as thick, but that's not a bad thing. It actually might be easier to work with.
    • Use avocado oil instead of olive oil.
    • Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
    • If you like your food very spicy, increase the cayenne pepper to ¼ teaspoon.

    Serving suggestions

    This versatile chicken dish goes with so many side dishes. I like to serve it on a bed of cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower and serve it with any of the following vegetables:

    • Honey-glazed carrots
    • Sauteed spinach
    • Grilled eggplant
    • Vegetbale kabobs

    Storing leftovers

    You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to four days. Reheat them gently in the microwave, covered, or use them cold in salads. I like to add them to this arugula salad or use them in a lettuce sandwich.

    Sliced Moroccan-style chicken served on a white plate.

    Related recipes

    • Grilled Chicken Breast
    • Blackened Chicken
    • Oven Chicken Kabobs
    • Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

    👩🏻‍🍳 I typically publish a new or an updated recipe once a week. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe! You can unsubscribe at any time.

    Recipe card

    Grilled Moroccan Chicken
    4.88 from 25 votes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Print Recipe Add to FavoritesGo to Favorites

    Grilled Moroccan Chicken

    A well-seasoned yogurt marinade ensures that this grilled Moroccan chicken is wonderfully flavorful and very juicy.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Marinate and rest time40 mins
    Total Time1 hr
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mediterranean
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 250kcal
    Author: Vered DeLeeuw

    INGREDIENTS

    • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
    • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 4 (6 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • In a shallow dish, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne.
    • Add the chicken, turning it to make sure it's well-coated.
    • Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes, or cover, place in the fridge and marinate for a few hours.
    • Heat a grill, dual-contact grill, or grill pan on high heat, about 5 minutes, and lightly grease it. Grill the chicken breasts for 4-6 minutes on each side, or for a total of 4-6 minutes on a dual-contact grill, until juicily cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165 degrees F.
    • Rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

    WATCH THE VIDEO:

    NOTES

    This recipe was written for small 6oz chicken breasts. If yours are larger, they'll need more time on the grill, and if so, it's best to reduce the heat to medium after the initial 6 minutes so that they don't burn. 
    You can use plain whole-milk yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. The marinade won't be as thick, but that's not a bad thing. It actually might be easier to work with.

    ADD YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes. They're only visible to you. If you clear your browser's cache, they'll be lost.
    DISCLAIMERSMost of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate and the carb count excludes sugar alcohols. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes.

    NUTRITION PER SERVING

    Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 402mg
    NEVER MISS A RECIPE! I typically publish a new or updated recipe once a week. Want them in your inbox? Subscribe!
    Pinterest icon Facebook icon Youtube icon Instagram icon Twitter icon

    ❤️ Let's connect! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter.

    « Crustless Quiche Lorraine
    Grilled Halibut »

    About the Author

    Vered Deleeuw Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

    Primary Sidebar

    Healthy Recipes Blog was founded in 2011 by Vered Deleeuw. It features real-food recipes with a focus on low-carb and gluten-free ingredients. All recipes are nutritionally reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. Contact us at HealthyRecipesBlog@gmail.com.


    subscribe to healthy recipes blog
    Pinterest icon Facebook icon Youtube icon Instagram icon Twitter icon


    Trending recipes

    • Arugula Salad
    • Salmon Cakes
    • Grilled Chicken Breast
    • Broccoli Salad
    • Grilled Shrimp
    • Sauteed Green Beans
    • Caprese Salad
    • Shrimp Scampi

    Healthy Recipes Blog was founded in 2011 by Vered Deleeuw. It features real-food recipes with a focus on low-carb and gluten-free ingredients. All recipes are nutritionally reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. Contact us at HealthyRecipesBlog@gmail.com.


    subscribe to healthy recipes blog
    Pinterest icon Facebook icon Youtube icon Instagram icon Twitter icon


    Trending recipes

    • Arugula Salad
    • Salmon Cakes
    • Grilled Chicken Breast
    • Broccoli Salad
    • Grilled Shrimp
    • Sauteed Green Beans
    • Caprese Salad
    • Shrimp Scampi

    Footer

    Media mentions

    Media mentions of Healthy Recipes Blog: logos

    The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.


    By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.


    Copyright © 2022