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There’s something truly enchanting about the first forkful of Moroccan Pastilla—this exquisite pie that artfully marries sweet and savory into one delightful dish. Picture the moment as golden phyllo crumbles gently, revealing a heartwarming filling of tender chicken infused with aromatic spices, all crowned with a delicate dusting of icing sugar. It was during a recent dinner gathering with friends that I realized how impressively versatile this dish is; it effortlessly elevates any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations.

When I first attempted making Pastilla in my kitchen, I was pleasantly surprised at how approachable the process was, despite its elegant presentation. This recipe invites you to embrace the soul of Moroccan cuisine using simple ingredients and techniques, ensuring you too can create this stunning centerpiece that’s sure to win over the hearts and palates of everyone at your table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef seeking a new challenge or someone searching for a break from routine, this Pastilla promises a culinary adventure worth embarking on.

Why is Pastilla a Must-Try Dish?

Versatile Flavors: The delightful mix of sweet and savory in Pastilla captures hearts and taste buds alike.

Elegant Presentation: Its beautiful golden pastry makes it the perfect showstopper for any gathering.

Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can impress family and friends!

Cultural Adventure: Experience Moroccan cuisine from your own kitchen, broadening your culinary horizons.

Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed hit at potlucks and dinner parties, pleasing all palates!

Pastilla Ingredients

For the Filling

Chicken Thighs – The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and moisture; choose skinless, bone-in for best results.
Onion – Adds sweetness to the filling; finely sliced for even cooking.
Fresh Ginger – Infuses warmth and zest; grate for optimum infusion into the filling.
Ground Cinnamon – This spice delivers an aromatic sweetness that perfectly balances the dish.
White Sugar – Essential for adding subtle sweetness; a touch can elevate the flavor profile.
Chicken Stock – Keeps the chicken moist and flavorful; opt for homemade when possible.
Large Eggs – Binds the filling; ensure they are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Sliced Almonds – Adds a delightful crunch; you can substitute with walnuts or pecans if desired.

For the Pastry

Melted Butter – Brush over phyllo layers for a crispy, golden crust; olive oil works as a lighter alternative.
Phyllo Sheets – The flaky base for the pie; thaw them properly to prevent breaking during assembly.

Seasoning and Toppings

Sea Salt and Black Pepper – Essential to enhance the flavors; adjust to taste.
Icing Sugar – A traditional dusting that adds a touch of sweetness before serving; a must for authentic Pastilla.

How to Make Pastilla (Moroccan Chicken Pie)

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and grated ginger. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Cook Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the pot along with ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken stock, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Mix in the beaten eggs and sliced almonds, allowing it to absorb all the flavors.
Assemble the Pastilla: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lay out the phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter. Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture in the center, fold the phyllo over to enclose the filling, and brush the top with more butter.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the assembled pastilla to a baking dish and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it, and rotate halfway through for even browning.
Dust and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust the top with icing sugar, then slice and serve warm, allowing everyone to enjoy its delightful layers.

Optional: Serve with a side of Moroccan mint tea for an authentic touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Pastilla Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize this dish with these delightful twists!

Traditional Swap: Substitute chicken with rabbit or pigeon for a time-honored, authentic experience. Each option brings its own unique flavor that wonderfully complements the spices.
Vegetable Boost: Add finely chopped carrots, sweet onions, or even spinach for a bit of nutrition and color. These vegetables meld nicely with the savory filling while enhancing the texture.
Heat It Up: Introduce crushed red pepper or harissa for a spicy kick! This simple addition gives an exciting contrast to the sweet elements of the dish.
Nut Variations: Experiment with walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different crunch and taste. Each nut offers its own lovely earthy flavor, making it an exciting variation.
Fusion Twist: Swap out the chicken for shredded duck or lamb for an indulgent twist. The rich flavors of these meats perfectly complement the sweet-spicy filling.
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a bright note. Adding these herbs enhances the aromatic profile and serves a flavorful punch.
Sweetness Adjustment: For those preferring less sweetness, reduce the white sugar in the filling and sprinkle a modest amount of icing sugar on top instead. This way, you maintain balance without overwhelming the savory flavors.
Dairy-Free Delight: Brush phyllo sheets with olive oil instead of melted butter for a lighter, dairy-free option. This swap not only makes it more accessible but also adds a subtle flavor of its own.

Make Ahead Options

These Moroccan Chicken Pastillas are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chicken filling up to 24 hours in advance by cooking and shredding the chicken, then mixing it with the other filling ingredients. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Additionally, you can assemble the pastilla without baking it and refrigerate it for up to 3 days prior to serving, ensuring it stays crispy by covering it loosely with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. This way, you’ll have a delightful dish ready with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Pastilla?

Create a culinary experience that tantalizes all the senses with the perfect accompaniments to your Moroccan Chicken Pie.

Crisp Green Salad: Adds a refreshing contrast with its crunchy vegetables and light vinaigrette, enhancing the sweet-savoury flavors of the pastilla.
Chickpea Salad: Packed with vibrant ingredients and a hint of acidity, this dish balances the richness of the pastilla and adds a protein boost.
Roasted Vegetables: The caramelized sweetness of seasonal veggies pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the filling, creating a savory harmony.
Moroccan Mint Tea: This fragrant, sweet tea not only complements the pastilla’s unique flavor but also cleanses the palate between bites, making each mouthful delightful.
Hummus with Pita: The creamy, nutty flavor of hummus and soft pita provides a comforting, luscious backdrop alongside the flaky pastilla.
Fruit Compote: A spoonful of spiced fruit compote brings a perfect balance of sweet and tart, enhancing the dish’s sweet notes while keeping the experience refreshing.
Saffron Rice: Fluffy rice infused with saffron adds an earthy richness, perfectly soaking up the aromatic flavors and creating a delightful textural contrast.
Baklava: For dessert, this sweet treat offers a satisfying finish, combining nuts and honey with a flaky texture that echoes the pastilla’s pastry bliss.

Expert Tips for Pastilla

Thawing Phyllo: Allow phyllo sheets to thaw completely at room temperature for best results; don’t rush by using the microwave, or they may crack.
Chicken Choice: Opt for skinless, bone-in chicken thighs for the juiciest filling; breast meat tends to dry out during cooking, affecting the texture of your Pastilla.
Spicing It Right: Incorporate saffron or turmeric to elevate the spice profile; just a pinch can enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
Balancing Sweetness: If you find the filling too savory, slightly increase the icing sugar used for dusting; this helps maintain the signature sweet-savoury balance.
Mixing Ingredients: When combining the chicken mixture with eggs and almonds, ensure everything is thoroughly blended to create a cohesive filling; this avoids any dry pockets in your Pastilla.

How to Store and Freeze Pastilla

Room Temperature: Serve freshly baked Pastilla warm; however, it should not be left out for more than 2 hours to ensure safety.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in your oven to retain the crispiness.
Freezer: Wrap the cooled pastilla tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat frozen pastilla in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until warmed through and crispy.

Pastilla (Moroccan Chicken Pie) Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the chicken, choose skinless, bone-in thighs for optimal richness and flavor. When it comes to onions, select firm ones without any dark spots or soft spots, as these indicate spoilage. Fresh ginger should be smooth and free of wrinkles, ensuring peak flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! To store, wrap any leftovers in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This will restore the crispiness of the phyllo pastry while warming the filling beautifully.

Can I freeze Pastilla, and if so, how?
Of course! To freeze, first allow your cooked Pastilla to cool completely. Then, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. This way, it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until thoroughly warmed.

What should I do if my phyllo dough tears during assembly?
No worries! If your phyllo tears, simply overlay another sheet on top of the torn area, brushing it with melted butter for extra support. This way, the layers can still create that delightful, flaky texture – just remember, more layers make it even better!

Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! This Pastilla contains several common allergens, including eggs, nuts (almonds), and wheat (phyllo). If you’re making it for others, always check if anyone has allergies to these ingredients. You can substitute almonds with sunflower seeds or omit them to accommodate nut allergies; just adjust other seasonings to keep the flavor balanced.

Can I use different proteins in my Pastilla?
Very much so! While chicken is the classic choice, you can definitely mix it up! For traditional variations, rabbit or pigeon are excellent alternatives. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed for different meats to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.