Chicken Sayadiyah
Chicken Sayadiyah is a flavorful Lebanese dish featuring spiced chicken cooked with caramelized onions and served over a bed of fragrant rice. This comforting meal is a perfect blend of spices and textures, offering a delightful taste of Lebanese cuisine.

45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Lebanese
550 kcal
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs - 300 grams
- Basmati rice - 1 cup (200 grams)
- Onion - 1 large, thinly sliced
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
- Cinnamon powder - 1 teaspoon
- Allspice - 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Chicken broth - 2 cups (500 ml)
- Lemon - 1, juiced
- Pine nuts - 2 tablespoons, toasted
- Fresh parsley - for garnish
Steps
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Remove half of the onions and set aside for garnishing.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for another minute, then add the chicken thighs. Season with salt, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, and turmeric. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- While the chicken is cooking, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add 2 cups of the chicken broth (from the chicken) to the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it on plates. Top with sliced chicken, caramelized onions, and toasted pine nuts. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in protein from chicken, supporting muscle health.
- Contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, promoting heart health.
Tags
LebaneseHalalDinner