Syrian Chicken

Syrian Chicken

Syrian Chicken

Syria borders the Mediterranean and the Middle East. This chicken dish best represents the cuisine’s influence of flavors. Chicken thighs are seasoned with cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper and are seared, then braised in a saffron/garlic/onion/tomato sauce. The chicken can be served over couscous, rice, pasta, or even masked potatoes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Syrian
Keyword: Chicken, main course, Syrian, Western Asian
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 bone in chicken thighs

Chicken Dry Rub

  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Sauce

  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 tbsp ginger minced
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 birds eye chilies chopped
  • 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/8 tsp saffron powder
  • 1/4 cup combined mint and cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • Season the chicken thighs with the dry rub.
    Syrian, main course, chicken
  • Heat up the cooking oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down. Sear for 6 minutes. Turn over and cook for 4 more minutes. Remove from the oil and set aside.
    Syrian, main course, chicken
  • In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, ginger, and birds eye chilies. Sauté for 2 minutes.
    Syrian, main course, chicken
  • Stir in the tomatoes, chicken stock, saffron powder, thyme, and cumin. Simmer for 5 minutes.
    Syrian, main course, chicken
  • Add in the chicken thighs. Place a cover on the pot and cook for 45 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.
    Syrian, main course, chicken
  • Take out of the oven and toss in the chopped cilantro and mint.
    Syrian, main course, chicken
Syrian, main course, chicken
Serve with couscous and a dollop of yogurt. Garnish with more chopped cilantro and mint.