Chicken Sayadiya

Chicken Sayadiya is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring spiced chicken served over a bed of fragrant, turmeric-infused rice. This comforting meal is perfect for a wholesome lunch, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs - 400 grams
• Brown rice - 1 cup (200 grams)
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Turmeric - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Chicken broth - 2 cups (500 ml)
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon - 1, for garnish

Steps

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
5. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in 2 cups of the chicken broth from the skillet (you can add water if needed) and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
8. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
9. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve the rice on two plates, topped with the shredded chicken and garnished with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in spices like turmeric and cumin, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

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