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Moroccan Chicken Thighs with Couscous Recipe

A vibrant vegan twist on Moroccan Chicken Thighs with Couscous—spiced, aromatic, and irresistibly comforting with a rich North African flair.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 345
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Vegan “Chicken Thighs”
  • 2 cups seitan or firm tofu cut into thick slices
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
For the Moroccan Sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp harissa paste or chili paste for heat
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
For the Couscous
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1¼ cups hot vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
For Garnish
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh mint leaves

Method
 

  1. Prep the “Chicken”: Toss seitan or tofu with olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Sear the Protein: Heat a skillet and cook each side for 5 minutes until golden and aromatic. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add olive oil, onions, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then stir in tomatoes, broth, lemon juice, cinnamon, coriander, harissa, and maple syrup.
  4. Simmer: Let the sauce cook for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Combine: Return seitan or tofu to the sauce. Coat evenly and simmer another 5 minutes for full flavor fusion.
  6. Prepare the Couscous: In a bowl, combine couscous, olive oil, salt, and hot broth. Cover for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  7. Serve Like Royalty: Plate couscous first, top with saucy “chicken,” and finish with parsley, mint, and lemon wedges.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 345
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g

Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Iron: 22%
  • Vitamin C: 19%
  • Calcium: 14%
  • Vitamin A: 16%
  • Magnesium: 15%

Additional Notes/Tips

  • Add raisins or dried apricots to the couscous for sweetness and drama.
  • A drizzle of tahini takes this to goddess level.
  • Substitute quinoa for couscous if you’re gluten-free.
  • Want more spice? Add extra harissa—live dangerously.
  • Pairs beautifully with mint tea or your favorite wine (because balance).