Gordon Ramsay’s Moroccan chicken traybake

Dive into the vibrant flavors of North Africa with Gordon Ramsay's Moroccan Chicken Traybake, a dish that promises to transport your taste buds to the bustling souks of Morocco. This recipe, featured in Gordon Ramsay's book "Quick & Delicious," is not only a feast for the senses but also a testament to Ramsay's prowess in creating dishes that are both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Gordon Ramsay's Moroccan Chicken Traybake: A Culinary Journey

Brief Description of the Recipe Gordon Ramsay's Moroccan Chicken Traybake is a simple yet exotic dish that combines succulent chicken breasts with a medley of spices, vegetables, and couscous, all cooked together in one tray for ease and convenience. The use of ras-el-hanout, a North African spice blend, is key to achieving the authentic Moroccan flavor that makes this dish so special.

Cultural or Historical Context This recipe draws inspiration from Moroccan cuisine, known for its vibrant spices, fresh herbs, and rich flavors. The use of ras-el-hanout, which means "head of the shop" in Arabic, and signifies a mixture of the best spices a vendor has to offer, is a hallmark of Moroccan cooking.

Ingredients for the Moroccan Chicken Traybake

Chicken breasts, skin on (4 pieces)
Baby carrots (200g)
Red onions, each cut into 8 slices (2 pieces)
Courgettes (2 pieces)
Olive oil (2 tbsp)
Ras-el-hanout (2 tbsp)
Chicken stock (200ml)
Couscous (150g)
Chickpeas, drained and rinsed (1 x 400g tin)
Chopped coriander (4 tbsp)
Lemon juice, to taste
Pistachios, roughly chopped (30g)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Rose petals, for serving (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Start by preheating your oven and preparing your vegetables and chicken with olive oil and ras-el-hanout.
Cook the vegetables in the oven before adding chicken stock to couscous in a separate bowl.
Season the chicken and courgettes, then add them to the tray along with chickpeas, cooking everything together until the chicken is done.
Finish by fluffing the couscous, adding herbs, and serving the bake garnished with pistachios and optional rose petals.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, either use the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring the chicken remains moist.

Nutritional Information

This dish is balanced with protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables and chickpeas, and complex carbohydrates from the couscous. The use of olive oil adds healthy fats, making this a nutritious meal option.

FAQ about the Moroccan Chicken Traybake

Can I use a different vegetable instead of courgettes? Yes, feel free to substitute with similar vegetables such as bell peppers or aubergines.

Is there a substitute for ras-el-hanout? While ras-el-hanout offers a unique blend of spices, you can make a simple version at home with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika.

Gordon Ramsay's Moroccan Chicken Traybake is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings the essence of Moroccan cuisine right to your table. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and stunning presentation.

Original recipe by Gordon Ramsay, as featured in his book "Quick & Delicious."