Moroccan Chicken Butternut Noodles: A Flavorful & Healthy Recipe

Moroccan Chicken Butternut Noodles: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant souks of Marrakech! Imagine tender chicken and sweet butternut squash, all swirled together in a fragrant, spice-infused sauce, coating perfectly cooked noodles. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its complex layering of flavors, a legacy passed down through generations. The use of warm spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, and cinnamon reflects the country’s rich history as a crossroads of trade and culture. While traditionally served with couscous or tagine, this modern twist incorporates noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both familiar and exotic.

What makes Moroccan Chicken Butternut Noodles so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the creamy texture of the butternut squash against the tender chicken, and the aromatic spices that awaken your senses. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This dish is a weeknight winner, offering a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love. Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Butternut Squash Noodles:
• 1 large butternut squash (about 2-3 lbs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Sauce Enhancement (Optional):
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for extra richness)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
• Garnish:
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Toasted slivered almonds
• A dollop of plain yogurt or Greek yogurt (optional)

Preparing the Butternut Squash Noodles:

Okay, let’s start with the butternut squash noodles. I find this part the most fun, especially if you have a spiralizer! If not, don’t worry, I’ll give you an alternative.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, wash the butternut squash thoroughly.
2. Cut and Seed: Carefully cut off the top and bottom of the butternut squash. Then, cut the squash in half where the neck meets the bulb. This makes it easier to handle. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the bulb with a spoon.
3. Spiralize (Preferred Method): If you have a spiralizer, use it to create noodles from the neck of the squash. The neck is the straight part, and it’s perfect for making long, even noodles.
4. Alternative Method (No Spiralizer): If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create wide ribbons. Then, stack a few ribbons together and slice them thinly into noodle-like strands. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still work beautifully.
5. Season and Roast: Toss the butternut squash noodles with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Roast: Roast the butternut squash noodles for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn easily. You want them to be cooked through but still have a little bite.
7. Set Aside: Once roasted, remove the noodles from the oven and set them aside. We’ll add them to the chicken later.

Cooking the Moroccan Chicken:

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show: the Moroccan chicken! This is where all those wonderful spices come together to create a flavorful and aromatic dish.

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them on all sides until they are nicely browned. This step is important because it adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This will really bloom the flavors.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are packed with flavor!
5. Return Chicken to Skillet: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Add Apricots and Cilantro: Stir in the chopped dried apricots and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the apricots to soften and plump up.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a richer sauce, you can stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at this point. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors.

Combining and Serving:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bring everything together and enjoy this delicious Moroccan Chicken Butternut Noodles dish.

1. Add Noodles to Sauce: Gently stir the roasted butternut squash noodles into the chicken and sauce. Toss to coat the noodles evenly.
2. Heat Through: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy.
3. Serve: Serve the Moroccan Chicken Butternut Noodles immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, toasted slivered almonds, and a dollop of plain yogurt or Greek yogurt (if desired).

Tips for Success:

• Chicken Thighs are Key: I highly recommend using chicken thighs for this recipe. They stay much more tender and juicy than chicken breasts.
• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken is crucial for developing flavor. It creates a beautiful crust and adds depth to the sauce.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the cayenne pepper. If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch more!
• Make it Ahead: The Moroccan chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before adding the butternut squash noodles.
• Freezing Instructions: You can also freeze the Moroccan chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I recommend cooking the butternut squash noodles fresh, as they can become mushy when frozen and thawed.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils. Just add them to the skillet along with the tomatoes and broth.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other Moroccan spices, such as ras el hanout or harissa paste.
• Nut Allergy Alternative: If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the toasted slivered almonds or substitute them with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Use Different Noodles: If you don’t have butternut squash, you can use other types of noodles, such as zucchini noodles, sweet potato noodles, or even regular pasta.
• Make it a Stew: Add more chicken broth to create a heartier stew.
• Serve with Couscous: Instead of butternut squash noodles, you can serve the Moroccan chicken over couscous or rice.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

This Moroccan Chicken Butternut Noodles recipe is truly a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. From the fragrant spices that fill your kitchen to the satisfying blend of sweet butternut squash and savory chicken, every bite is an explosion of flavor. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, even for novice cooks, yet delivers restaurant-quality results. The combination of tender chicken, creamy butternut squash, and perfectly cooked noodles, all bathed in a rich and aromatic Moroccan-inspired sauce, is simply irresistible.

But don’t just take my word for it – you absolutely have to experience this dish for yourself! The warm spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The sweetness of the butternut squash perfectly complements the savory chicken, while the noodles provide a satisfying and comforting base. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, packed with nutrients and bursting with deliciousness.

Looking for serving suggestions? This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can easily elevate it with a few simple additions. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or chopped pistachios adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of crème fraîche provides a cooling contrast to the warm spices. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

And the variations are endless! If you’re vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also experiment with different types of noodles, such as whole wheat noodles, gluten-free noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking – if you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of harissa paste. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to boost the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

Ready to embark on this culinary journey?

I encourage you to try this Moroccan Chicken Butternut Noodles recipe as soon as possible. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, and one that you’ll be proud to share with friends and loved ones. The vibrant flavors and comforting textures make it a truly special meal.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavors? Did your family enjoy it? Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag] so we can all see your creations. I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Cooking is all about sharing and inspiring each other, so let’s create a community of food lovers who appreciate the deliciousness of this Moroccan-inspired dish. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy cooking!