Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Recipe

If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and offers an irresistible crispy texture, this Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. These delicate triangular pastries combine tender, fragrant chicken seasoned with warm Moroccan spices, wrapped in flaky phyllo dough that bakes to a golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing a festive gathering or simply indulging in a cozy meal, this recipe brings an authentic taste of Moroccan cuisine straight to your kitchen, promising to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the rich flavors and textures that make these briouats so unforgettable. From the fragrant spices to the fresh herbs, every element combines to create layers of taste that are wonderfully balanced.

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use breast or thigh meat for tenderness and richness.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the filling.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and adding a gentle fruity undertone.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the chicken with aromatic warmth.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A key spice that brings earthy, smoky notes.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a mild peppery flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: A warming spice that complements the savory mix.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: For a hint of sweet, fragrant complexity.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and elevate all the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers freshness and a touch of vibrant green color.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander: Provides a citrusy, bright finish to the filling.
• 8 phyllo sheets or brick pastry: The delicate wrapper that crisps beautifully during baking.
• 1 egg yolk (for sealing): Helps seal the briouats to keep the filling intact.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil (for brushing): Ensures a golden, crisp exterior.
• Dried mint or parsley flakes (for garnish): Adds a lovely herbal aroma and garnishing touch before serving.

How to Make Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the flavorful chicken filling

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant, awakening the senses. This base creates the perfect foundation for the spices and chicken that follow.

Step 2: Season and cook the chicken

Add the cooked shredded chicken to the skillet and stir in the ground cumin, paprika, ground ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to cook together for about 3 to 4 minutes so the spices can meld beautifully with the chicken, creating a deliciously aromatic mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate fresh herbs and cool

Once the chicken is well seasoned, stir in the chopped parsley and coriander to add a burst of fresh flavor and color. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly—this makes it easier to work with when assembling the briouats.

Step 4: Prepare the phyllo or brick sheets

Cut your phyllo or brick pastry sheets into strips about 3 inches wide. Working with phyllo can be delicate, so handle them gently to prevent tearing. These strips will become the perfect handheld pockets for your flavorful filling.

Step 5: Assemble and fold the briouats

Place a spoonful of the chicken filling at one end of each strip, then fold it over to form a triangle, reminiscent of a little flag. Continue folding the strip over itself in the same triangular shape until the entire strip is folded and sealed. Brush the end with egg yolk to ensure it stays closed during baking.

Step 6: Prepare for baking

Place the formed briouat triangles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the tops with melted butter or neutral oil—this step is what creates the golden, flaky crust you’re looking forward to!

Step 7: Bake to perfection

Bake the briouats in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a satisfyingly crisp texture.

Step 8: Garnish and serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the briouats with dried mint or parsley flakes for an extra burst of color and aroma. Serve hot alongside your favorite harissa or a creamy yogurt dip to complement the spices perfectly.

How to Serve Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing your Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Recipe with a sprinkle of dried mint or parsley brings a fresh herbal note right before serving, lifting the whole dish. A dusting of these herbs enhances both aroma and presentation, making the briouats look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

These briouats are wonderfully versatile when it comes to pairings. Serve them with a cooling cucumber yogurt salad to balance the spice, or add a side of fragrant couscous with toasted almonds. For something heartier, a vibrant tomato-based harissa sauce elevates the flavors with some heat and tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the briouats in a circular pattern on a large platter, surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces such as harissa, garlic yogurt, or a fresh herb chutney. Alternatively, serve them as bite-sized appetizers by cutting larger pastries into smaller triangles and pairing them with toothpicks for easy munching.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crispiness intact, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked briouats to enjoy later! Arrange them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh-from-the-oven experience anytime.

Reheating

To revive the crispy texture after refrigeration, reheat briouats in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy. A warm, crisp briouat tastes almost as good as freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken is traditional and works beautifully here, ground lamb or beef can also be used with the same Moroccan spices for a delicious twist.

What if I can’t find phyllo or brick pastry?

If phyllo or brick pastry is unavailable, you might try spring roll wrappers as a substitute, but keep in mind the texture and taste will be slightly different. The thin, crispy layers of phyllo are important for authentic briouats.

Is it possible to bake briouats instead of frying them?

Definitely! Baking the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Recipe, as described here, gives you a healthier option with less oil and a wonderfully crisp exterior. Just be sure to brush with butter or oil for that golden finish.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors deepen, making your briouats even tastier when you bake them later.

What are some good dipping sauces for briouats?

Traditional options include harissa, a spicy North African chili paste, or cooling garlic yogurt sauce. You can also try tahini or a lemony herb dip to complement the spices in the filling.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Briouats Recipe when you want something that’s both exciting and comforting. The mix of fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and crispy pastry creates a wonderful dance of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, these little parcels of deliciousness are sure to become a cherished staple. Give them a try—you’ll be smiling after every bite!

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