Top 10 Middle Eastern Chicken Recipes
Explore the vibrant world of Middle Eastern chicken recipes with Mangoes and Palm Trees, featuring 10 flavorful dishes with a tropical twist!
The Middle Eastern chicken recipes in this top 10 list, from juicy shawarma to tender tagine, showcase aromatic spices, cultural heritage, and easy preparation for any occasion. Blending bold flavors with a tropical flair, like mango-tahini sauce, these dishes are perfect for home cooks seeking authentic yet accessible meals. Discover more in our Chicken Recipes and Middle Eastern culture collections!
Introduction to Middle Eastern Chicken Recipes
Middle Eastern chicken dishes are celebrated for their bold, aromatic flavors, combining spices, herbs, and time-honored traditions. From grilled skewers to slow-cooked stews, these recipes are accessible, versatile, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a taste of the Levant, Persia, and beyond.
Rich Culinary Traditions
Rooted in the Persian Empire, Ottoman era, and Levantine cultures, Middle Eastern chicken recipes reflect centuries of trade, conquest, and cultural exchange. Techniques like grilling, braising, and slow-cooking highlight the region’s diverse culinary heritage, as noted by The Mediterranean Dish.
Common Ingredients
Key ingredients include olive oil, garlic, onions, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, sumac, parsley, mint, lemon, yogurt, nuts (pine nuts, almonds), and dried fruits (apricots, raisins), creating a harmonious balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Shish Tawook
Shish Tawook, a Lebanese classic, features tender, tangy chicken skewers, perfect for grilling enthusiasts.
Marination Process
Marinate 2 lbs chicken breast cubes in 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper for 2-12 hours, ideally overnight, to ensure tenderness and flavor infusion.
Grilling Techniques
Preheat grill to medium-high (375-400°F/190-204°C), oil grates to prevent sticking, and skewer marinated chicken with optional bell peppers. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until 165°F (75°C). Serve with garlic sauce or our tabbouleh recipe.
Chicken Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma, a street food icon, delivers bold, spiced flavors in wraps or bowls.
Spice Mix
Combine 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp coriander, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Marinate 2 lbs chicken thighs with 1/4 cup yogurt, 3 tbsp olive oil, and the spice mix for 4-12 hours for deep flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Grill on medium-high for 5-7 minutes per side or roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, then slice thinly. Serve in pita with tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and garlic sauce, or over rice with pickles. Add a tropical mango-tahini drizzle (1/4 cup tahini, 1/4 cup mango puree, 1 tbsp lemon juice) for a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* twist. Try our Lebanese Chicken Shawarma recipe.
Chicken Tagine
Chicken Tagine, a Moroccan staple, offers a rich, slow-cooked stew with vibrant flavors.
Traditional Cooking Method
Marinate 2 lbs chicken (thighs or drumsticks) with 1 tsp each turmeric, cumin, ginger, and sea salt. In a tagine or heavy pot, layer chicken, 2 sliced onions, 2 carrots, 2 tomatoes, 1/2 cup olives, and 1 preserved lemon; add 1 cup broth and cook on low for 2-3 hours until tender.
Flavor Profile
Savory and tangy from spices and lemons, with sweet notes from 1/2 cup dried apricots or raisins, and briny depth from olives, creating a complex, comforting dish.
Sumac Chicken
Sumac Chicken, a Palestinian favorite, delivers tangy, citrusy flavors with minimal effort.
Unique Ingredients
Use 2 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks), 3 tbsp sumac, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 sliced onions, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 tsp sea salt for a vibrant marinade.
Baking Instructions
Marinate chicken for 30 minutes, arrange with onions in a baking dish, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes until 165°F (75°C). Garnish with parsley and serve with flatbread or salad. See Serious Eats for sumac tips.
Chicken Kabsa
Chicken Kabsa, a Saudi Arabian classic, combines aromatic rice and spiced chicken.
Rice Preparation
Rinse 2 cups basmati rice, soak for 30 minutes, and drain. Sauté 1 sliced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ginger, and 2 diced tomatoes in 2 tbsp olive oil, add 4 cups chicken broth, and cook rice for 20 minutes until fluffy.
Spice Blend
Mix 1 tsp each cumin, coriander, black lime (loomi), cardamom, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cloves, and a pinch of saffron. Marinate 2 lbs chicken (thighs or drumsticks) with the blend, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp salt for 30 minutes, then bake or grill.
Chicken Kofta
Chicken Kofta, a versatile Middle Eastern dish, offers juicy meatballs with bold spices.
Meatball Formation
Mix 1 lb ground chicken, 1/2 cup finely chopped onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp each cumin, coriander, paprika, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Shape into 12-16 balls and chill for 30 minutes to firm.
Cooking Styles
Grill for 10-12 minutes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or fry in 2 tbsp olive oil for 6-8 minutes until 165°F (75°C). For a vegetarian option, use ground tofu or lentils. Serve with tahini or mango-yogurt sauce.
Chicken Maqluba
Chicken Maqluba, a Palestinian upside-down dish, layers rice, vegetables, and chicken.
Layering Technique
Marinate 2 lbs chicken (thighs or drumsticks) with 1 tsp each turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and sea salt. Brown chicken, then layer in a pot with 1 sliced eggplant, 2 tomatoes, 2 potatoes, 2 cups soaked basmati rice, and 4 cups chicken broth. Cook on low for 45 minutes until rice is tender.
Serving Tips
Rest for 10 minutes, flip onto a platter to reveal layers, and garnish with 2 tbsp parsley. Serve with yogurt or a side salad from our salad recipes.
Chicken Musakhan
Chicken Musakhan, a Palestinian classic, combines sumac-spiced chicken with flatbread.
Flatbread Base
Use taboon or flatbread, warmed to absorb juices from 2 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks) seasoned with 3 tbsp sumac, 1 tsp sea salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil.
Onion Topping
Caramelize 4 sliced onions in 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat for 20 minutes, add 2 tbsp sumac, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts. Spread over flatbread, top with chicken, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
Chicken Mansaf
Chicken Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish, features a rich yogurt sauce over flatbread.
Fermented Yogurt Sauce
Blend 2 cups Greek yogurt or Jameed (soaked overnight if using) with 1 cup water and 1 tsp sea salt until smooth, heating gently to avoid curdling.
Assembly Instructions
Layer flatbread, pour half the yogurt sauce, add 2 lbs cooked chicken (boiled or roasted), top with remaining sauce, and garnish with 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts and 2 tbsp parsley. Serve with rice or flatbread.
Chicken Fatteh
Chicken Fatteh, a Levantine layered dish, combines textures and flavors.
Layering Components
Toast 2 pita breads until crisp, break into pieces, and layer with 2 lbs shredded chicken, 1 cup cooked chickpeas, and a yogurt sauce (2 cups yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice).
Crunchy Toppings
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Pine Nuts | 1/4 cup, toasted, nutty crunch |
| Parsley | 2 tbsp, fresh, vibrant |
| Sumac | 1 tsp, tangy zest |
Chicken Mandi
Chicken Mandi, a Yemeni favorite, features smoky rice and spiced chicken.
Smoked Flavor
Cook 2 lbs chicken with 2 cups basmati rice and 4 cups broth. Place a hot charcoal in a foil cup with 1 tsp oil, cover pot to trap smoke for 10 minutes, infusing a distinctive smoky flavor.
Rice and Chicken Combination
Cook rice with 1 tsp each cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp saffron; layer with roasted or grilled chicken, letting juices flavor the rice. Serve with a side of yogurt or salad.
Chicken Freekeh
Chicken Freekeh, a nutty Levantine dish, pairs chicken with roasted green wheat.
Green Wheat Base
Rinse 1 cup freekeh, cook in 3 cups chicken broth for 25-30 minutes until tender, creating a fiber-rich, nutty base with a smoky undertone.
Cooking Process
Marinate 2 lbs chicken (thighs or breasts) with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp each cumin, coriander, paprika, and sea salt. Brown chicken, combine with cooked freekeh, and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Chicken Harissa
Chicken Harissa, a fiery North African dish, brings bold spice to the table.
Spicy Paste
Blend 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, 2 tbsp chili flakes, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp each cumin, coriander, caraway, and 3 tbsp olive oil for a vibrant harissa paste. Marinate 2 lbs chicken thighs for 1 hour.
Cooking Tips
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or grill for 8-10 minutes per side until 165°F (75°C). Serve with couscous, salad, or a cooling mango-yogurt sauce (1/2 cup yogurt, 1/4 cup mango puree, 1 tsp lemon juice). See Healthline for harissa’s anti-inflammatory benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Popular Middle Eastern Chicken Recipes?
Shawarma, Shish Tawook, Kabsa, Musakhan, and Harissa are flavorful, iconic dishes.
How Can I Make Chicken Shawarma at Home?
Marinate chicken thighs in yogurt and spices, grill or roast, and serve in pita with veggies and sauce.
What Spices Are Used in Middle Eastern Chicken Dishes?
Cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, sumac, cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron are staples.
Are Middle Eastern Chicken Recipes Healthy?
Yes, they use lean chicken, olive oil, vegetables, and antioxidant-rich spices for balanced nutrition.
What Is Shish Tawook?
Marinated chicken skewers, grilled to tender perfection, served with garlic sauce or salad.
Can I Make Middle Eastern Chicken Recipes in an Oven?
Yes, baking or broiling at 375-400°F (190-200°C) yields excellent results for most dishes.
What Side Dishes Go with Middle Eastern Chicken?
Hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, pita bread, rice pilaf, or pickled vegetables complement well.
How Long Should I Marinate Chicken for These Recipes?
At least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to maximize flavor and tenderness.
Is It Difficult to Find Ingredients for These Recipes?
No, most spices, herbs, and produce are widely available in supermarkets or specialty stores.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts for These Recipes?
Yes, chicken breasts are lean, versatile, and cook quickly, ideal for skewers or wraps.
Conclusion
These top 10 Middle Eastern chicken recipes offer a flavorful journey through the Levant, Persia, and beyond, blending rich traditions with easy preparation. From Shish Tawook’s tangy skewers to Chicken Harissa’s fiery kick, each dish is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Add a tropical mango-sumac drizzle and share your creations on Facebook with #MangoesPalmTrees! Explore more vibrant flavors in our Beef Kabsa, savor our vegetarian recipes, or take a fun break with our Personality Quiz Hub.
Which Middle Eastern Chicken Recipe Will You Try First?
Shish Tawook Shawarma Harissa
Vote and share your choice on Facebook with #MangoesPalmTrees!
