Moroccan Chicken Rfissa with Lentils

Published: June 11, 2026 Moroccan Cuisine ⏱ 1h 45min
Moroccan rfissa with shredded chicken and lentils over torn msemen bread

Rfissa is a highly celebratory Moroccan dish, traditionally served to welcome a new mother or during Eid. It features slow-cooked, fragrant chicken and lentils poured over a bed of torn, crispy msemen (layered Moroccan flatbread). The unique blend of spices, including fenugreek and ras el hanout, creates an aromatic, comforting dish unlike any other.

Recipe Info

Prep Time30 min
Cook Time1h 15min
Total Time1h 45min
Servings6
DifficultyHard
CuisineMoroccan

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1 Ingredients

2 Instructions

1

Cook the chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add chicken pieces, onions, garlic, ras el hanout, ginger, saffron, and fenugreek. Brown the chicken for 5 minutes.

2

Simmer with lentils

Add the chicken broth and lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 50 minutes until the chicken is tender and the lentils are cooked.

3

Shred the chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot, shred the meat off the bone, and return it to the stew. Stir in the fresh cilantro.

4

Prepare the base

Toast or pan-fry the msemen flatbreads until slightly crispy, then tear them into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a large serving platter.

5

Assemble and serve

Pour the hot chicken and lentil stew directly over the torn msemen. Allow the bread to soak up the juices for a minute before serving.

Pro Tips

  • Fenugreek seeds should be used sparingly as they can be bitter; soak them in water beforehand if desired.
  • If you can't find msemen, store-bought Indian paratha is a great substitute.

Nutrition Information

Calories 520 kcal
Protein 38g
Fat 18g
Saturated Fat 4g
Carbohydrates 48g
Fiber 10g
Sugar 4g
Sodium 620mg

* Nutritional values are approximate and based on per-serving calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fenugreek has a distinct, slightly sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of maple. It is essential for the authentic taste of Rfissa.
Rating
4.8 (85 votes)
Stephanie Grine

About the Author

Stephanie Grine

Recipe Developer & Food Enthusiast

I am a passionate home cook who believes that great food brings people together. Every recipe on TodayFoodsMenu is developed, tested, and photographed in my home kitchen — not a professional test...

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