Chicken Cutlets Roasted with Tomatoes

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Moroccan-inspired cuisine with this delectable Spice-Rubbed Roast Chicken recipe. With a delightful blend of spices and a touch of heat, this dish offers a delightful culinary experience that is surprisingly simple to prepare. The aroma of spices fills the air as you create a tomato-based sauce that perfectly complements the tender, boneless chicken. This delightful meal is sure to transport your taste buds to the exotic flavors of Morocco, leaving you craving for more.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• Pinch cayenne
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• About 11/2 pounds boneless chicken (breasts, cutlets, tenders, thighs, or legs), pounded to uniform thickness if necessary
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups chopped tomato (drained canned is fine)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Begin by mixing chopped fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, chopped garlic, a pinch of cayenne, half of the ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and freshly ground black pepper together in a bowl. This mixture will be used to create a fragrant spice rub for the chicken.
2. Take the boneless chicken of your choice, whether it’s breasts, cutlets, tenders, thighs, or legs, and pound them gently to achieve a uniform thickness if necessary. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic blend of spices.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ground cumin with extra virgin olive oil and chopped tomatoes. Season this mixture with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This delightful tomato-based sauce will add depth and richness to the roasted chicken.
4. Spread half of the tomato mixture on the bottom of a roasting pan. Carefully place the spice-rubbed chicken on top of the tomato mixture in the pan. Finally, spread the remaining tomato mixture over the chicken, covering it entirely.
5. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the chicken until it becomes tender and fully cooked through. Baste the chicken once or twice with the flavorful pan juices during roasting to ensure even distribution of flavors. The roasting process will take approximately 20 minutes or more, depending on the type of chicken used. To check for doneness, cut into a piece with a thin-bladed knife; the center should be white or slightly pink.
6. Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove the roasting pan from the oven. Garnish the dish with additional chopped fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and color. Serve the Spice-Rubbed Roast Chicken while it’s hot or warm, allowing your taste buds to revel in the rich and aromatic Moroccan-inspired flavors.

This Spice-Rubbed Roast Chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings the essence of Morocco to your dining table. Whether you’re entertaining guests or seeking a flavorful weeknight dinner option, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy all who taste it. Enjoy the enticing spices and succulent chicken as you embark on a culinary journey to the exotic world of Moroccan cuisine.