Description
Savory Syrian Chicken Thighs with Flavorful Couscous. This Savory Syrian Chicken recipe features juicy thighs paired with aromatic spices, making it an irresistible dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 pieces Chicken thigh fillets
- 2 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 inch Fresh ginger
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 piece Onion
- 2 chilis Birds eye chilis
- 1/4 cup Fresh herbs (mint and coriander)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 can Canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup Chicken stock/broth
- 1 pinch Saffron powder
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1/4 cup Dried currants or sultanas
- 8 oz Giant couscous (Israeli or Pearl)
- 1 tbsp Yoghurt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Coat the chicken thighs by placing them in a bowl. Sprinkle with cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper, then use your hands to ensure they’re well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof fry pan over high heat.
- Sear the chicken skin-side down until nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and brown the other side as well, then remove the chicken and drain the excess oil.
- Sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and chili in the remaining oil for about 2 minutes.
- Combine canned tomatoes, chicken stock, saffron, cumin, and thyme in the pan. Allow it to simmer briefly, then nestle the chicken back into the broth. Cover and transfer to the oven to bake for 25-35 minutes.
- Cook the Giant Couscous according to the package instructions, usually boiling in salted water for around 4 minutes, then drain.
- Finish by removing the chicken when it’s dark golden brown and cooked through. Stir in currants (if using), lemon juice, and half of the chopped mint and coriander. Reserve the rest for garnish.
- Serve the chicken on a bed of Giant Couscous and top with a dollop of yogurt, if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Notes
- Choose bone-in and skin-on chicken for maximum juiciness.
- Adjust the number of chilis based on your spice preference.
- Optional ingredients can enhance flavor but are not necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Baking
- Cuisine: Syrian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg