Instant Pot® Moroccan-Style Chicken

A flavorful dish combines tender chicken with warm Moroccan spices, all cooked quickly in the Instant Pot for an easy weeknight meal. Perfect for those who love bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

No reviews yetUpdated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 30 min

Total Time 40 min

Difficulty Medium

Ingredients 0/9

1 tablespoon Moroccan spice rub 1 pound chicken tenders 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter ½ small red onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous ¾ cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons toasted almonds

Why This Dish Is So Satisfying

Full of warm spices and rich flavors that come together quickly in the Instant Pot®. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and exotic without a lot of fuss.

Helpful Kitchen Tips

- Brown the chicken in batches before pressure cooking to develop deeper flavor.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best aroma and taste.
- Let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Directions

Tos the chicken in a bit of olive oil and your Moroccan seasoning, making sure it's nicely coated. Heat up your Instant Pot on the sauté setting, then add a splash of olive oil and a little butter. Once that’s hot, brown the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side until it’s golden. Take the chicken out and set it aside to keep warm. Next, add the chopped onion, carrot, and garlic to the pot and cook everything until it’s soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the pearl couscous, broth, and chickpeas, mixing it all together. Turn off sauté mode, nestle the chicken back into the pot, then close and lock the lid. Set your pressure cooker to high and cook for 5 minutes. After it’s done, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method. Open the lid, sprinkle some almonds on top, and you’re ready to serve!

Serving Options

Serve this flavorful chicken over fluffy couscous or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Proper Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the chicken moist and tender. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.

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By Arjun Patel

Recipe Contributor

Arjun enjoys creating straightforward recipes that work well in real kitchens.