Growing up, I have so many fond memories of my grandmother’s Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats. The aroma of the warm, flaky pastry filled with aromatic chicken would waft through the house, drawing me into the kitchen like a moth to a flame. I can still picture her delicate hands carefully folding and shaping each little parcel, her face lit up with pride as she presented the platter of golden-brown briouats.
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The Secret Behind Perfect Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats
There’s just something so special about these Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats. The combination of tender, flavor-packed chicken with the warmth of Moroccan spices, all wrapped in a crisp, buttery phyllo dough – it’s an absolute flavor explosion in your mouth. But what really sets this recipe apart is the care and attention to detail that goes into each step. From the perfect seasoning blend to the precise phyllo dough folding technique, every element is essential for creating that authentic Moroccan taste and texture.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of this recipe are the high-quality ingredients that bring the Moroccan flavors to life. Let’s start with the chicken – you’ll need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces. This lean protein forms the base of the filling, allowing the aromatic spices to really shine.
Speaking of spices, you’ll be using a flavorful blend of 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and just a touch of 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. This combination creates that signature Moroccan flavor profile – warm, earthy, and slightly sweet with a gentle heat.
To sauté the chicken and veggies, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, along with 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. These aromatics form the foundation of the filling, adding depth and complexity.
Finally, you’ll be bringing in freshness and brightness with 1/4 cup each of chopped fresh parsley and cilantro. These herbs complement the Moroccan spices beautifully, lifting the flavors and creating a well-rounded dish.
The last key component is the phyllo dough – you’ll need 1 package (16 ounces) of thawed phyllo dough to wrap up the delicious chicken filling. And don’t forget the 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, which will help create that signature crisp, flaky texture.
Step-by-Step Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Instructions
Preparing Your Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats
With all the ingredients prepped and ready to go, it’s time to start assembling your Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats. This recipe has a total time of just 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time. You’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan, a cutting board, a sharp knife, and a pastry brush for this process.
1- Begin by heating the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s lightly browned and cooked through.
2- Next, add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
3- While the filling is cooling, unroll the phyllo dough and lay the sheets out on a clean, dry work surface. Keep the phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out as you work.
4- Take one sheet of phyllo and brush it lightly with the melted butter. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise to create a long, narrow strip. Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken filling near the edge of the strip. Fold the edge over the filling, then continue folding the strip into a triangle, envelope-style, until you’ve created a neat little briouat.
5- Place the filled briouat seam-side down on a baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling, placing the briouats about an inch apart on the baking sheet.
6- Once all the briouats are assembled, bake them in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-18 minutes, until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp. Serve the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and cilantro if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Be sure to chop the chicken into small, even pieces for the most tender, bite-sized filling.
- Don’t be shy with the Moroccan spices – the more you use, the more authentic and flavorful your briouats will be.
- When working with the phyllo dough, keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
- Brush each layer of phyllo lightly with melted butter for maximum flakiness and crispness.
- Fold the briouats carefully and tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Serving and Storing Your Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats
Perfect Pairings for Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats
These Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats are the perfect appetizer or light main dish, serving up a total of 18 individual briouats. They pair beautifully with a crisp, refreshing salad or a bright, herby couscous. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a simple lemon-garlic rice pilaf.
As for beverages, these briouats shine alongside a fragrant Moroccan mint tea or a chilled glass of dry white wine. The warm, aromatic flavors of the dish also complement a light, fruity cocktail or a crisp, hoppy craft beer.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, these Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats are easy to make ahead and store for later enjoyment. Once baked, the briouats can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crisp and heated through.
For longer-term storage, the unbaked briouats can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply assemble them as directed, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen briouats to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw – just pop them directly into the preheated oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats
Creative Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Variations
While this classic Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a seasonal twist, try swapping out the chicken for roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. You could also experiment with different cheeses, like feta or goat cheese, in the filling.
Another delicious variation is to use ground lamb or beef instead of chicken for a heartier, more traditional Moroccan flavor. And for a vegetarian option, try filling the briouats with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and Moroccan-spiced chickpeas.
Making Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you have a few options. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the phyllo dough for gluten-free wonton or spring roll wrappers. These will give you the same crisp, flaky texture without the gluten.
If you’re watching your carbs, you can use low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves instead of the phyllo dough. The chicken filling is already low in carbs, so this swap will make the briouats a great keto-friendly option.
And for a vegan take, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like shredded jackfruit or sautéed lentils. Use melted coconut oil or vegan butter in place of the regular butter, and you’ve got a delicious meat-free version of these Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute a different type of meat for the chicken?
A: Absolutely! Ground lamb or beef would work wonderfully in this recipe, giving you a more traditional Moroccan flavor profile. You can also use shredded jackfruit or sautéed lentils for a vegan option.
Q: How long do the briouats take to assemble?
A: The total prep time for this recipe is 15 minutes, which includes assembling the briouats. The key is to work quickly and efficiently when folding the phyllo dough around the chicken filling.
Q: Can I make the briouats ahead of time?
A: Yes, these Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats are great for making in advance. You can assemble the unbaked briouats and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How many briouats does this recipe yield?
A: This recipe makes a total of 18 individual Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats, which is perfect for serving as an appetizer or light main dish.
Q: What should I do if the phyllo dough tears while I’m assembling the briouats?
A: Don’t worry, a few small tears here and there are completely normal when working with delicate phyllo dough. Simply patch the tears with a bit of melted butter and continue folding the briouat. The butter will help “glue” the dough together, and no one will ever know the difference once it’s baked!
Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 18 briouats
Description
Indulge in the aromatic flavors of Morocco with these delectable Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats. These savory pastries feature a flaky phyllo dough exterior and a tender, spice-infused chicken filling that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the spiced chicken mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro.
6. Unroll the phyllo dough and cover with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
7. Working with one phyllo sheet at a time, brush it lightly with the melted butter. Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture near the bottom of the sheet, then fold the phyllo over the filling, creating a triangle shape. Continue folding the phyllo over itself to create the briouat.
8. Place the folded briouats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with any remaining melted butter.
9. Bake the briouats in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats warm, accompanied by a creamy dipping sauce or your favorite condiments.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of ground ginger or a squeeze of lemon juice to the chicken filling. These briouats can also be made in advance and frozen, then baked straight from the freezer when needed.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Conclusion
These Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats are truly a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken, aromatic Moroccan spices, and crisp, flaky phyllo dough is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a fancy appetizer for a dinner party or enjoying them as a cozy, comforting meal, these briouats are sure to impress.
So don’t be intimidated by the slightly more involved preparation – with a little practice, you’ll be folding these little parcels of Moroccan goodness like a pro. And I guarantee, once you taste the first warm, buttery briouat straight out of the oven, you’ll be hooked. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking up a batch of these incredible Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats today!
