Crispy Chicken Breasts with Chermoula and Escarole

Succulent chicken breasts with crispy skin served with a flavorful North African chermoula sauce and fresh escarole. The dish combines aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika with fresh herbs and citrus.

4 servings
30 min

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 pieces large skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts, bones removed (1 1/2-2 pounds)
  • to taste Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon hot smoked paprika
  • 1 medium medium shallot, sliced into rings
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves with tender stems
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ head head escarole
  • torn into pieces

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook, skin side down, until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Turn and cook until cooked through, 5-8 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate; reserve skillet.

    20 min

  2. 2.

    Wipe out skillet and heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add garlic, coriander, cumin, and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is softened and spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, add shallot, and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Combine cilantro, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons garlic-shallot mixture in a large bowl; season chermoula with salt and pepper. Add escarole and toss to coat. Slice chicken and arrange on top. Spoon remaining garlic-shallot mixture over and drizzle with more lemon juice, if desired.

    5 min