Moroccan Spiced Roast Chicken brings a burst of bold flavors and warm, fragrant spices to your table. This dish is all about deep, earthy seasonings combined with the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and citrusy brightness. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and exotic, making it a great choice for a family dinner or a special gathering.
Instead of using a complicated marinade, this recipe keeps it simple with a spice blend that infuses the chicken with layers of flavor while roasting. The skin turns golden and crispy, while the meat stays juicy and tender. And the best part? Your oven does most of the work!
Whether you’re new to Moroccan-style cooking or already love the vibrant spices of North African cuisine, this roasted chicken is sure to become a favorite. Let’s get started!
What Makes This Chicken So Flavorful?
Unlike traditional roast chicken, this recipe builds complexity using a rich combination of Moroccan spices. Here are a few ingredients that bring the dish to life:
- Ras el Hanout – This classic Moroccan spice blend features warm, aromatic flavors like cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and ginger. It adds incredible depth without overpowering the chicken.
- Fresh Lemon – Squeezed over the chicken before roasting, lemon brightens up the spices and balances the richness of the dish.
- Garlic and Olive Oil – These work together to infuse the chicken with moisture while enhancing the warmth of the spices.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – A touch of sweetness caramelizes the skin, giving it a crispy, golden crust with just the right amount of flavor contrast.
How to Make Moroccan Spiced Roast Chicken
- Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix Ras el Hanout with salt, pepper, olive oil, and a bit of lemon juice. This forms a flavorful paste to coat the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry, then rub the spice mixture all over, making sure to coat both the skin and under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Roast to Perfection: Place the chicken in a roasting pan and cook at a high temperature, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully. Halfway through, baste the chicken with its juices to keep it moist.
- Let It Rest: Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This step ensures all the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve with your favorite sides, spooning over some of the pan juices for extra flavor.
Customizing Your Moroccan Roast Chicken
Looking to change things up? Here are a few ways to tweak this recipe to your liking:
- Extra Heat – Add a pinch of cayenne or harissa paste if you enjoy a spicier kick.
- Citrusy Twist – Swap the lemon for orange juice and zest for a slightly sweeter Moroccan-style roast.
- Herb-Infused – Toss in fresh cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead – If you don’t want to roast a whole chicken, use bone-in, skin-on thighs for an easier version with the same incredible flavor.
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Why This Moroccan Roast Chicken Works Every Time
This recipe stands out because it delivers layers of flavor with minimal effort.
- Balanced Spice Blend – Ras el Hanout brings the perfect mix of warmth, smokiness, and sweetness to the dish.
- Crispy, Golden Skin – A touch of honey or maple syrup caramelizes the skin, giving it that beautiful golden color.
- Juicy and Tender Meat – Roasting at the right temperature and basting the chicken ensures every bite is moist and packed with flavor.
What to Serve with Moroccan Roast Chicken
A meal like this deserves the right sides to complement its bold flavors. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Couscous with Dried Fruits – Light, fluffy couscous with apricots, raisins, and almonds is a classic Moroccan side.
- Roasted Carrots and Chickpeas – A simple side of roasted veggies with cumin and garlic pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Flatbread with Yogurt Sauce – Soft, warm flatbread with a cooling yogurt sauce balances the rich spices.
- Spiced Lentils – Hearty, well-seasoned lentils make a fantastic protein-packed side.
Moroccan Spiced Roast Chicken
Equipment
- Roasting Pan For even cooking
- Mixing Bowl To prepare the spice blend
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4 lbs
- 2 tablespoons Ras el Hanout Moroccan spice blend
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 whole lemon zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for caramelizing the skin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix Ras el Hanout, olive oil, lemon juice, and honey to form a paste.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat under the skin as well.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and bake for about 1 hour, basting occasionally.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with couscous or roasted veggies.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
I’ve made this numerous times and it is always a success.
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
The seasoning was just right—so good.