Chicken Sayadieh

Chicken Sayadieh is a flavorful Lebanese dish that features tender chicken cooked with aromatic spices and served over a bed of spiced rice, often garnished with fried onions and nuts. This healthy version emphasizes wholesome ingredients while delivering a rich taste that reflects the essence of Lebanese cuisine.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs - 300 grams, boneless and skinless
• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth - 400 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted
• Fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon, chopped for garnish
• Lemon - 1, cut into wedges for serving

Steps

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Add the chicken to the pan and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Strain the broth and reserve it for cooking the rice.
6. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and add the basmati rice. Stir for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
7. Pour in the reserved chicken broth (about 400 ml), bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
8. While the rice is cooking, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
9. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and mix in the shredded chicken.
10. Serve the Chicken Sayadieh on a plate, garnished with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley, alongside lemon wedges.

Nutrition

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from chicken, promoting muscle health.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, supporting heart health.

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