Delicious Moroccan Chicken Pie with spices and flaky crust.

Moroccan Chicken Pie

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Why Make This Recipe

Moroccan Chicken Pie, also known as b’stilla, is a unique dish that combines savory chicken, delicate phyllo dough, and sweet spices. This dish is perfect for celebrations or family gatherings, offering a rich flavor that will impress your guests. Making this pie is not only rewarding but also fun, as you get to layer the flavors and textures to create something truly special. If you are a fan of chicken dishes, you might also enjoy trying a creamy chicken recipe that highlights different flavors.

How to Make Moroccan Chicken Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil
  • 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
  • ¼ cup minced fresh flat leaf parsley
  • 2 Tbsp minced cilantro
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 8 saffron threads
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • ⅔ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup whole blanched almonds
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 12 sheets thawed phyllo dough
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • Ground cinnamon and powdered sugar for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil. Sauté the onion until golden, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add the chicken, parsley, cilantro, turmeric, saffron, water, ginger, and cinnamon. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender, about 20-25 minutes.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a bowl or plate and set aside to cool. Let the sauce continue to simmer in the pan and add the beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir constantly until the eggs are gently scrambled.
  4. Shred the chicken and add it to the egg mixture; set aside.
  5. In a blender or food processor, coarsely grind the almonds and mix with sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
  6. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  7. Remove 12 sheets of phyllo from the package and re-wrap the remaining phyllo in its original wrap. Refrigerate for future use.
  8. Stack the 12 sheets on a work surface and cover with a damp towel.
  9. Spread a little butter on a pizza pan or baking sheet. Layer 3 sheets of phyllo, lightly spraying each layer with butter.
  10. Sprinkle the 3rd sheet evenly with half of the almond mixture.
  11. Layer and butter 3 more sheets. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the top, leaving a 1½ inch border of phyllo.
  12. Fold over the edges to partially cover the chicken mixture. Layer and butter 3 more sheets over the chicken, sprinkling the remaining almond mixture evenly over the top.
  13. Layer and butter the last 3 sheets of phyllo over the almond mixture. Tuck the edges of the last 6 sheets under the b’stilla as you would a bed sheet.
  14. Bake the b’stilla until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
  15. Place the powdered sugar in a fine-meshed sieve. Tap the sides of the sieve to cover the surface of the b’stilla lightly and evenly with sugar. Using your thumb and forefinger, sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top.
  16. Serve immediately, before the pastry becomes soggy.

How to Serve Moroccan Chicken Pie

This delicious dish can be served hot or warm. You might slice it into wedges and serve it as a main course, paired with a fresh salad or some spicy harissa sauce on the side for extra flavor.

How to Store Moroccan Chicken Pie

You can store leftover Moroccan Chicken Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven to keep the pastry crisp.

Tips to Make Moroccan Chicken Pie

  • Make sure to layer the phyllo dough carefully, as this gives the pie its flaky texture.
  • Use fresh herbs for better flavor; you can also experiment with the spices according to your taste.
  • Remember not to overcook the eggs in the filling to keep it creamy and moist.

Variation

For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with a mixture of sautéed vegetables or mushrooms combined with the same spices. Another variation could be to add dried fruits such as apricots to the filling for a sweet twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make Moroccan Chicken Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day before and assemble the pie before baking.

2. What can I serve with Moroccan Chicken Pie?
You can serve it with a light salad, yogurt, or a side of couscous for a complete meal.

3. Can I freeze Moroccan Chicken Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie. Just wrap it well, and then bake it straight from the freezer, increasing the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Moroccan Chicken Pie is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine. If you want to explore more about the techniques behind this dish, consider reading about how to make a Moroccan Bstilla.