Skillet Moroccan Chicken: A Flavorful, Low-Point Weight Watchers Recipe for Healthy Weeknight Dinners

Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its ability to weave together a symphony of bold, aromatic flavors into a single, cohesive dish. This Skillet Moroccan Chicken recipe is a prime example, offering a delectable experience that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine succulent, juicy chicken infused with the sweet tang of apricots and dates, the briny kick of green and Kalamata olives, and the warm, earthy notes of ginger, paprika, turmeric, and cumin. It’s a culinary journey in one pot, and the best part? It’s incredibly light and healthy, clocking in at only 2 Weight Watchers Points per serving!

This isn’t just another low-point, one-pot meal; it’s a showstopper that elevates your weekly chicken rotation into something truly extraordinary. It’s perfect for those seeking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste or excitement. For more healthy eating inspiration and delightful dishes that fit your lifestyle, be sure to explore our other popular Weight Watchers dinner recipes.

Why You Should Add Skillet Moroccan Chicken to Your Repertoire

When embarking on a healthy eating journey, especially with programs like Weight Watchers, one of the most common concerns is getting bored with repetitive meals, particularly chicken. While chicken is an excellent lean protein choice, its versatility is its greatest asset. Every unique combination of spices and ingredients has the power to transform it into an entirely new culinary adventure. Skillet Moroccan Chicken is the perfect recipe to showcase this incredible adaptability. If you’ve already explored Asian-inspired chicken recipes, it’s time to broaden your horizons and dive into the vibrant, exotic flavors of North Africa.

1. Simple Yet Thoughtful: At its core, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward once you have your ingredients prepped. However, it does encourage a bit of planning, as exotic dried fruits and specific olives might not be regular staples in every pantry. But trust us, the effort is unequivocally worth it. Adding these items to your shopping list will unlock a world of intense, complex flavors in your kitchen. The resulting dish feels luxurious and gourmet without being overly complicated, making it an ideal choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions where you want to impress.
2. A Perfect Weight Watchers Choice: What makes Skillet Moroccan Chicken truly exceptional is its incredible flavor profile combined with its health-conscious nature. It fits seamlessly into your Weight Watchers plan, offering a rich, satisfying meal for only 2 or 3 points per serving. This recipe is compelling proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste; it proves that nutritious meals can be incredibly delicious, filling, and exciting. It’s packed with lean protein, healthy fats from the olives, and fiber from the fruits and vegetables, ensuring you feel satisfied.
3. Visually Stunning: Beyond its incredible taste and health benefits, let’s not overlook the aesthetic appeal of this dish. Skillet Moroccan Chicken looks as magnificent as it tastes. The golden-yellow hue from the turmeric, the deep, rich colors of the dried fruits and olives, and the perfectly cooked chicken nestled in a fragrant, savory sauce create a feast for the eyes before you even take the first bite. Its vibrant presentation makes it a joy to serve and a delightful centerpiece for any meal.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Serving Size: Approximately 1 chicken breast with sauce

2 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW Apphere. (WW login required.)

Ingredients for Your Moroccan Skillet Adventure

The magic of Moroccan cuisine lies in its masterful blend of spices and fresh, vibrant ingredients. This recipe carefully combines sweet, savory, and aromatic elements to create a truly unforgettable dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the warming spices that form the base of the flavor to the dried fruits and olives that add layers of complexity and texture.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 g) – Lean protein, the canvas for our flavors.
• 1 tsp olive oil (5 ml) – For searing and building the sauce base.
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed – Adds pungent depth and aromatic foundation.
• 1 tsp ground turmeric (3 g) – For golden color and earthy, slightly bitter notes, also a powerful antioxidant.
• 1 tsp paprika (3 g) – Adds sweet pepper flavor and a beautiful reddish hue.
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (1.5 g) – Warm, earthy, and distinctly Moroccan.
• 1/2 tsp salt (2.5 g) – Enhances all flavors.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (1 g) – A classic seasoning for a subtle kick.
• 1 small cinnamon stick – Infuses a sweet, warm aroma during simmering.
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (about 150 g) – Sweetens and provides a foundational savory base.
• 1/3 cup dried apricots, halved (60 g) – Adds natural sweetness and chewiness, a staple in Moroccan tagines.
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted (50 g) – Contributes a salty, fruity, and slightly briny flavor.
• 1/3 cup green stuffed olives (50 g) – Adds another layer of brininess and a pleasant texture.
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (5 g) – Offers a zesty, warm, and slightly spicy freshness.
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (360 ml) – The liquid base for the rich sauce.
• 10 deglet noor dates (25 g) – Provides intense, caramelized sweetness and a soft texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Skillet Moroccan Chicken

Creating this flavorful Skillet Moroccan Chicken is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a dish that’s rich in flavor, perfectly cooked, and a delight for all your senses.

1. Season the Chicken for Maximum Flavor: Begin by preparing a vibrant spice rub. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This blend is the heart of our Moroccan flavors. Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces, ensuring every piece is well coated. The more thoroughly the chicken is seasoned, the deeper the flavor will be. Next, add the crushed garlic and gently rub it into the chicken. This ensures the pungent, sweet notes of garlic are infused directly into the meat. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or for even deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to an hour. This marination time allows the spices to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more aromatic and tender final product.
2. Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices: Heat a large, sturdy skillet (preferably cast iron, if available) over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for approximately 5 minutes on each side. The goal here is to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, which adds a layer of rich, caramelized flavor and helps to seal in the chicken’s natural juices, ensuring it remains moist during the simmering process. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
3. Build Layers of Aromatic Flavor: Once the chicken is beautifully seared, you do not need to remove it from the skillet. Simply scatter the thinly sliced onions around the chicken, allowing them to soften and release their sweet aromas. Next, evenly distribute the dried apricots, dates, Kalamata olives, and green stuffed olives throughout the pan. These ingredients will slowly release their flavors and textures as they cook, contributing to the rich sauce. Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated ginger over all the ingredients, ensuring it’s distributed across the skillet for an even distribution of its zesty, warm notes.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Carefully pour the chicken broth over the chicken, vegetables, and fruits in the skillet. Ensure that everything is partially submerged, allowing the broth to become a flavorful base for the sauce. Add the small cinnamon stick to the skillet; this will subtly infuse a warm, sweet aroma into the entire dish. Reduce the heat to low, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through, becoming incredibly tender, and all the diverse flavors will meld together beautifully to create a complex and harmonious sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to keep the chicken moist and coated in the evolving sauce.
5. Prepare for Serving: Before serving, remember to remove and discard the cinnamon stick. It has imparted its flavor and is no longer needed. Carefully plate the chicken breasts, then generously spoon the rich, aromatic sauce—complete with softened apricots, dates, olives, and tender onions—over the top. This exquisite dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a traditional touch, serve it with fluffy couscous. Alternatively, try it with a “fake mujadara” (as described in our tips) for a hearty, Weight Watchers-friendly option. A simple bed of brown rice or quinoa also makes an excellent accompaniment, soaking up all the delicious juices.

Variations and Substitutions to Customize Your Moroccan Chicken

Skillet Moroccan Chicken is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your personal preferences, dietary needs, or what you happen to have in your pantry. Feel free to get creative with these suggestions:

1. Add Chickpeas for a Heartier Meal: For an even more satisfying and fiber-rich meal, consider stirring in a cup of cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed) during the simmering stage. Chickpeas are a traditional and beloved addition in many Moroccan dishes, blending beautifully with the savory, sweet, and spiced sauce. They’ll absorb the flavors and add a pleasant texture, boosting both protein and fiber content.
2. Swapping Dried Fruits: If dried apricots or dates aren’t readily available, or if you simply prefer other options, raisins or prunes make fantastic substitutes. They bring a similar sweet contrast to the dish, complementing the savory chicken and olives, and are often more readily available pantry staples. You could even use a mix of different dried fruits.
3. Tomato Variations for Added Freshness: Some traditional versions of Moroccan chicken incorporate tomatoes. For a brighter, tangier flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of diced fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes (drained) along with the other aromatics. For garnish, consider sprinkling with halved cherry tomatoes and a crumble of feta cheese (if not strictly adhering to WW points, or using a low-fat feta alternative) just before serving. This creates a lovely fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce.
4. Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and volume of your dish by adding other vegetables. Sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can be added along with the onions to cook down and soften in the sauce. A handful of fresh spinach or kale can be wilted into the pan during the last few minutes of simmering for extra greens.
5. Spice It Up (or Down): If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of harissa paste can be added with the other spices during the chicken seasoning step. For those who prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of cumin or paprika slightly.
6. Protein Alternatives: While chicken breasts are excellent for a low-point meal, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and slightly more tender texture (adjust cooking time if needed). For a different twist, chunks of lamb or beef could also be used, though they would require a longer simmering time to become tender. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with extra chickpeas, firm tofu, or even halloumi cheese (pan-fried separately and added at the end).

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Skillet Moroccan Chicken

Achieving a truly exceptional Skillet Moroccan Chicken involves a few simple yet effective techniques. These tips will help you maximize flavor and ensure a perfectly cooked dish every time.

1. The Perfect Side Dish Pairing: While this Moroccan chicken stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with the right side dish significantly enhances the overall dining experience. My personal favorite accompaniment is a “fake” mujadara. This simple, Weight Watchers-friendly side is incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare: take one cup of cooked leftover rice, mix it with two cups of drained and rinsed chickpeas, and then gently fold in about one cup of crispy, caramelized onions. The combination of textures and flavors is phenomenal and requires minimal effort. Other excellent choices include fluffy couscous (a classic Moroccan pairing), quinoa, brown rice, or a simple fresh green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chicken.
2. Embrace Marinating for Depth: For the most intensely flavorful chicken, do not skip the marination step. While 15 minutes is a minimum, allowing the chicken to marinate in the spice mixture for at least an hour, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator, will allow the complex Moroccan flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. This extra time makes a significant difference in the final taste and tenderness of the chicken.
3. Cook Low and Slow for Tenderness: One of the keys to ensuring moist and tender chicken is to cook it over low heat during the simmering phase. Rushing the process with high heat can lead to dry, tough chicken. If you have the time, allow the dish to simmer gently for the recommended 20 minutes, or even a little longer if needed, until the chicken is fork-tender and the flavors have fully melded into a rich, aromatic sauce.
4. The Magic of a Cast-Iron Skillet: While any large skillet will work, using a cast-iron skillet can truly elevate this dish. Although some benefits might be debated, I genuinely believe that cast iron imparts a deeper, richer flavor to dishes like this one. Beyond anecdotal evidence, cast iron is excellent for achieving an even, consistent sear on the chicken and maintaining heat throughout the simmering process, which contributes to a more uniformly cooked and delicious result. Its superior heat retention also means the dish stays warm longer at the table.
5. Garnish for Freshness and Texture: Before serving, consider adding a fresh garnish. A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note. Toasted slivered almonds can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few lemon wedges served alongside can brighten the flavors and provide a lovely acidic balance.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Skillet Moroccan Chicken makes excellent leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken during reheating to prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making Skillet Moroccan Chicken:

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and often result in even juicier, more flavorful chicken. The cooking time should remain similar, but always check for doneness.
• Is this dish spicy? The base recipe is not spicy; it’s aromatic and savory with sweet undertones. If you prefer a spicy kick, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of harissa paste to the spice rub.
• What if I don’t have a cinnamon stick? You can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Add it with the other spices during the chicken seasoning step. Be mindful that ground cinnamon is more potent, so use less.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free and choose a gluten-free side dish like rice or quinoa.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Omit the chicken and replace it with more chickpeas (e.g., 2-3 cans), large chunks of bell peppers, zucchini, or even halloumi cheese (pan-fried separately and added at the end).

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Skillet Moroccan Chicken

Servings: 4

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Total: 45 minutes mins

Ingredients 

• ▢ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 g)
• ▢ 1 tsp olive oil, 5 ml
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• ▢ 1 tsp ground turmeric, 3 g
• ▢ 1 tsp paprika, 3 g
• ▢ 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1.5 g
• ▢ 1/2 tsp salt, 2.5 g
• ▢ 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 g
• ▢ 1 small cinnamon stick
• ▢ 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (about 150 g)
• ▢ 1/3 cup dried apricots, halved (60 g)
• ▢ 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted (50 g)
• ▢ 1/3 cup green stuffed olives, 50 g
• ▢ 1 tsp freshly grated ginger, 5 g
• ▢ 1 ½ cups chicken broth, 360 ml
• ▢ 10 dates

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Instructions 

• Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Add the crushed garlic and gently rub it into the chicken for added flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate.
• Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
• Add aromatics: Without removing the chicken from the skillet, scatter the sliced onions around the chicken. Add the dried apricots, dates, Kalamata olives, and green stuffed olives, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle the grated ginger over the ingredients, ensuring it’s distributed across the skillet
• Simmer: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is partially submerged. Add the cinnamon stick to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors are evenly combined and the chicken remains moist.
• Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Plate the chicken and spoon the sauce with apricots, olives, onions, and broth over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous or fake mujadara.

Notes

2 WW Points per serving. 

 

Nutrition

Serving: 342gCalories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 40gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1.7gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 673mgPotassium: 878mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 9.8gCalcium: 37mgIron: 1.9mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Moroccan

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