Moroccan Chicken with Couscous

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

• 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter

• 1 medium onion (8 ounces; 226 g), diced 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

• Light pinch of saffron threads (optional)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, plus more to taste; for table salt, use half as much by volume 

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 1/2 pounds (1.13 Kg) skin-in on, bone-in chicken thighs (alternatively, use bone-in skin on chicken pieces of choice)

• 1 3/4 cup (420 ml) homemade chicken or vegetable stock or store-bought low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 small bunch cilantro, stems and leave separated, stems tied into a bundle with kitchen twine and leaves reserved for garnish

For the T’faya Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter

• 2 pounds white or yellow onions (907 g), thinly sliced 

• 1 cup raisins (7 ounces; 200 g), soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, then drained (see notes)

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) homemade chicken or vegetable stock or store-bought low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) honey

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, plus more to taste; for table salt use half as much by volume

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Serving:

• 1 recipe for cooked Simple Fluffy Couscous

• 3/4 cup toasted sliced almonds (2.5 ounces; 75 g)

• Reserved cilantro leaves from above

Directions

1. For the Chicken: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or large Dutch oven, heat oil and butter over medium heat until butter is melted and shimmering. Add onions, turmeric, ginger, saffron (if using), salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and mixture is fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Add chicken and mix to combine with onions and spices, then add stock or broth and cilantro stem bundle.

3. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until chicken registers 175 to 185℉ on an instant-read, about 40 to 45 minutes. Discard cilantro bundle and season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. For the T’faya Sauce: Once chicken is simmering on low, in a large skillet, heat oil and butter over medium-low heat until butter is melted and shimmering. Add sliced onions, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and translucent, 15 to 25 minutes. Add drained raisins, stock, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, until most of liquid has evaporated and the onions are golden brown and jammy, 15 to 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. For Serving: Place warm cooked couscous on a large serving platter or individual plates, top with chicken and some of the broth, and spoon a generous serving of t’faya sauce over the top. Garnish with toasted sliced almonds and reserved cilantro leaves. Transfer any leftover broth to individual serving bowls and serve on the side.

Special Equipment 

Large heavy-bottomed pot or large Dutch oven, large skillet, fine-mesh strainer

Notes 

To soak the raisin, in a heat safe bowl, add raisins and pour boiling water over them until covered. Let sit for 10 minutes, then drain in a fine-mesh strainer.

Make-Ahead and Storage 

Leftovers can be refrigerated together in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, transfer to a baking dish and warm in a 350℉ (175℃) oven until warm.