Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats – A Flavorful 20-Minute Delight

Growing up, the aroma of Moroccan spices would waft through my grandmother’s kitchen, signaling that she was preparing her famous Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats. These delicate, flaky pastries, filled with a savory blend of chicken and warm spices, were a cherished family tradition that brought us all together around the table. The rich, complex flavors danced on my tongue, transporting me to the bustling markets of Marrakech, where the scent of cumin and cinnamon hung heavy in the air.

As I grew older, I became enamored with the art of Moroccan cuisine, and I made it my mission to perfect my grandmother’s recipe. After countless experiments and taste tests, I’ve finally cracked the code, and I can’t wait to share this exceptional Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats recipe with you.

Why This Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats

The secret to these Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats lies in the careful balance of spices and the flaky, buttery phyllo dough that envelops the savory filling. The combination of warm, earthy cumin, fragrant cinnamon, and smoky paprika creates a depth of flavor that is simply unmatched. But it’s the addition of fresh cilantro and parsley that truly elevates this dish, infusing it with a vibrant, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: The tender, juicy chicken is the foundation of this dish, providing the perfect canvas for the bold Moroccan spices.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin: This earthy spice is a hallmark of Moroccan cuisine, lending a warm, earthy depth to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A touch of sweetness from the cinnamon balances the savory notes of the other spices.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Ginger provides a subtle heat and a hint of warmth that ties the spices together.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A small amount of cayenne pepper adds a gentle kick of heat, which helps to elevate the overall flavor profile.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Cilantro lends a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the filling.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Parsley adds a touch of grassy, earthy flavor that balances the other ingredients.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: The olive oil helps to sauté the chicken and blend the spices together.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: These simple seasonings help to enhance the natural flavors of the dish.
• 12 sheets phyllo dough: The flaky, buttery phyllo dough creates the perfect crispy, golden-brown exterior for the Briouats.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: The melted butter helps to ensure the phyllo dough is perfectly golden and flaky.

Step-by-Step Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Instructions

Preparing Your Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats

With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 18 minutes, this Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats recipe is a quick and easy way to bring the flavors of North Africa to your table. To get started, you’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan, a sharp knife, a cutting board, a pastry brush, and a baking sheet.

1- Begin by dicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
2- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the spices.
4- Fold in the fresh cilantro and parsley, and season with salt and black pepper. The fragrant, flavorful filling is now ready for assembly.
5- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
6- Working with one sheet of phyllo dough at a time, brush it lightly with the melted butter. Place a heaping tablespoon of the Moroccan spiced chicken filling near the bottom of the phyllo sheet. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then continue to fold the dough over itself, creating a tight, triangular packet. Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling.

Pro Tips for Success

1- Be sure to work with the phyllo dough quickly, as it can dry out and become brittle if left exposed for too long. Keep the unused sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
2- When folding the Briouats, make sure to create tight, compact packets to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
3- For an extra crispy exterior, brush the Briouats with additional melted butter before baking.
4- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different Moroccan spice blends or herbs to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.

Serving and Storing Your Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats

Perfect Pairings for Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats

This Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats recipe yields 12 servings, making it the perfect dish to serve at a family gathering or as part of a Moroccan-themed feast. To complement the bold flavors of the Briouats, consider serving them alongside a fresh, crisp salad dressed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette, or pair them with a fragrant basmati rice pilaf. For beverages, a refreshing mint tea or a glass of chilled Moroccan white wine would be a delightful accompaniment.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily make them ahead of time. Once the Briouats have been assembled, you can either bake them immediately or freeze them for later. To freeze, place the unbaked Briouats on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the frozen Briouats at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Leftover baked Briouats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats

Creative Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Variations

While the classic Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats are a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. For a seasonal twist, try using diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes in place of the chicken for a vegetarian option. You could also experiment with different herbs, such as fresh mint or dill, to lend a unique flavor profile.

Another variation is to switch up the shape of the Briouats, creating smaller bite-sized pastries or even rolling the filling into cigar-shaped logs. And for a touch of sweetness, you could sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar over the top of the baked Briouats.

Making Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Diet-Friendly

To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can opt for whole-wheat or gluten-free phyllo dough, which will reduce the carbohydrate content. For a low-carb version, you can use lettuce leaves or collard greens instead of the phyllo dough, creating a delicious “wrapped” version of the Briouats.

If you’re following a vegan or plant-based diet, you can substitute the chicken with diced tofu or a meat-free alternative, such as sautéed mushrooms or a combination of roasted vegetables. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit the new filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute the chicken with a different protein?
A: Absolutely! The Moroccan spice blend works wonderfully with a variety of proteins. You can use diced turkey, lamb, or even ground beef or lamb in place of the chicken.

Q: How long should I bake the Briouats?
A: The total cooking time for this recipe is 38 minutes, with a prep time of 20 minutes and a cook time of 18 minutes. Be sure to bake the Briouats at 375°F (190°C) until they are golden brown and crispy.

Q: Can I make the Briouats ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the Briouats in advance and either freeze them unbaked or bake them and then reheat them. Unbaked Briouats can be frozen for up to 3 months, while baked Briouats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: How many Briouats does this recipe make?
A: This Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats recipe yields 12 servings.

Q: What do I do if the phyllo dough tears or breaks?
A: Don’t worry, a few tears or breaks in the phyllo dough won’t ruin the dish. Simply use a bit of the melted butter to “glue” the torn pieces back together before baking.

Print

Conclusion

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats are a true delight – a flavorful and satisfying dish that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant markets of North Africa. With their warm, aromatic spices and flaky, buttery exterior, these pastries are sure to become a new family favorite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Bon appétit!