Best Middle Eastern Chicken Recipes

MARVELOUS MIDDLE-EASTERN MARINATED YOGURT LEMON CHICKEN

Steps:

• Mix the yogurt with the seasonings place in a plastic bag with the chicken. Marinate for 2 hours to overnight.
• Pound chicken in the bag with the marinade to 1/2 thick and grill, saute, skewer or bake until lightly browned and cooked through.
• Serve with rice or pasta and salad and enjoy!

MIDDLE EASTERN GRILLED CHICKEN PITA SANDWICHES WITH YOGURT MINT SAUCE

Steps:

• Make the marinade:
• In a bowl whisk together the yogurt, the lemon juice, the garlic paste, the thyme, and pepper to taste.
• Arrange the chicken, pricked in several places with a fork, in one layer in a large shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and let the chicken marinate, covered and chilled, turning it once, for at least 3 hours or, preferably overnight
• Make the sauce:
• In a bowl whisk together the yogurt, the garlic paste, the lemon juice, the parsley, the mint, and salt and pepper to taste.
• On an oiled grill set about 6 inches over glowing coals or in an oiled ridged grill pan set over moderately high eat grill the chicken (discard the marinade) turning it, for 12 to 15 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, in a skillet cook the onion in the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until it is softened and lightly golden. Remove the skillet from the heat, add the tomato and the sesame seeds, and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cut it diagonally into thin slices. Cut off a small piece of each pita loaf to form an opening and heat the pita loaves on the grill, turning them once, for several seconds, or until they are just softened. Divide the chicken, the onion mixture, and the sauce among the pita loaves.

MIDDLE EASTERN YOGURT CHICKEN

Steps:

• Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, oregano, green onion, cumin, salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add the chicken breast halves and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator 1 hour to overnight.
• Preheat an oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Grease a shallow baking dish.
• Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Discard used marinade. Arrange chicken in prepared baking dish.
• Bake in preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 25 minutes, turning occasionally. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Garnish with spearmint before serving.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN AND BULGUR

Steps:

• Heat on high a nonstick skillet that is large enough to hold all the ingredients. Reduce heat to medium-high, and add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil. Saute the chicken breasts until golden on both sides. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, chop whole onion. Add the remaining oil to the pan, and saute the onion until it softens and begins to turn golden. Meanwhile, mince garlic and add.
• Stir in the bulgur, cardamon, coriander and cumin and mix well. Add the stock, and reduce heat to medium-low. Return the chicken to the pan, cover and continue cooking until liquid has been absorbed.
• Meanwhile, grate lemon rind, squeeze juice and add both to pan as chicken and bulgur cook. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN BURGERS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the onion, cinnamon, coriander, pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and season with pepper. Cook until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and parsley and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 more minute. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly. Stir in the chicken and yogurt until the onion are evenly mixed. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and some pepper. Shape into 4 1/2-inch thick patties.
• Cook in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes on each side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the sides of the burgers registers between 165 and 170 degrees F. Brush burgers with the pomegranate molasses and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Serve on toasted buns with fixings.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN KEBABS IN HONEY-SOY MARINADE

Steps:

• In a bowl mix oil, honey, soy sauce, cumin, cayenne and pepper. Set a small amount of the marinade aside for basting later on. Then add the meat, veggies and garlic and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The longer the better.
• Discard the marinade and put meat and veggies onto skewers. If you use wooden ones, first soak them in lemon water to prevent burning.
• Grill on the BBQ for 12-15 minutes or until done. Keepturning and basting with the marinade you set aside earlier.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a ceramic or glass container stir together soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, lime juice, Sherry, garlic, gingerroot, curry powder, thyme, and oregano and add chicken. Marinate chicken, covered and chilled, turning occasionally, at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
• Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towel. Reserve marinade.
• Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray Heat skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and cook chicken 1 minutes on each side, or until browned. Transfer chicken to a plate. To skillet add 2 tablespoons water and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon and scraping up brown bits, 30 seconds. Add onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add chicken, reserved marinade and remaining 1/4 cup water and simmer, covered basting chicken frequently, 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Serve chicken over couscous if desired.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN POT AND BUTTER-NUT COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil ripples add the chicken and brown 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, bay leaf and season with spices, salt and pepper, cook 5 to 6 minutes. Stir the fruits into the chicken and vegetables, add the zest of the lemon, olives and 2 1/2 cups of stock. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes more. Sprinkle with lemon juice and turn off heat. Remove bay leaf.
• While chicken simmers, melt butter in a sauce pot over medium heat. Add nuts and lightly toast for a couple of minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups stock and bring up to a boil then stir in couscous. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
• Serve chicken over couscous, or vice versa, and garnish with parsley.

MIDDLE EASTERN GARLIC ROASTED CHICKEN WITH GREEN HARISSA AND FLATBREAD

Steps:

• Cook's Note: To roast garlic, cut off the top third of each garlic head, drizzle with EVOO and wrap in foil. Roast in a 400 degree F oven until tender.
• Squeeze the roasted garlic from the skins and combine with the softened butter, EVOO, rosemary, chile and lemon zest. Loosen the skin all over the chicken, then rub the garlic mixture onto the meat under the skin. Sprinkle the skin with salt and pepper. Put the chicken in a baking dish, cover and let stand for 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Sprinkle the chicken with two-thirds of the Za'atar Spice Blend and roast for 1 hour 15 minutes. Raise the oven temperature to 500 degrees F and roast for 15 minutes more to crisp the skin. Let the chicken rest until cooled, then cut it into quarters.
• Meanwhile, heat a griddle or grill pan and grill the naan until warm. Brush with melted butter and cut in half.
• Divide the chicken quarters among plates and sprinkle with the remaining Za'atar Spice Blend and the lemon juice. Serve with the naan and Green Harissa.
• Combine the sesame seeds, sumac, thyme, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container until ready to use. Cook's Note: The spice blend is great on chicken, beef, lamb, eggplant and anything grilled. You can make extra and store it for weeks. Sumac is available in larger markets and Middle Eastern markets.
• Puree the cilantro, EVOO, cumin, chile peppers, garlic, spinach and lemon juice in a food processor until fairly smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate or serve immediately.

MIDDLE EASTERN-STYLE CHICKEN, VEGGIES AND RICE

Steps:

• Prepare the rice according to package directions. Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a wok or large deep skillet over high heat. Add the green beans and onions and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
• Add the peppers and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir-fry until the green beans and peppers are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add the broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the shredded chicken, rice, spice blend and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer until no excess liquid remains, about 1 minute. Season with salt.
• Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with the parsley and pine nuts and serve.

CHICKEN KABOBS IN A MIDDLE EASTERN MARINADE

Steps:

• Puree the garlic, onion, spices, lemon juice and yogurt in the container of a blender or food processor.
• Place the chicken in a non-aluminum container and cover with the marinade. Turn well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours.
• Preheat the broiler or make a charcoal fire.
• Thread the chicken on skewers, brush with a little oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side for thigh meat, 3 to 4 minutes per side for breast meat. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Place the chicken breasts in a 13 x 9 inch baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
• Sprinkle the chicken with the fresh lemon juice, combine spices and sprinkle over chicken, top with slivers of garlic.
• Pour the rinsed chickpeas over and then the tomatoes. Place dish in preheated oven and cook for 25 minutes.
• Serve with couscous or rice.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN SKEWERS

Steps:

• If using bamboo skewers, place them in a shallow bowl of water to soak. Coat grill grates with oil or high-heat cooking spray.
• Heat the grill on high ( or load with charcoal & start fire to grey-coated coals & hot heat).
• In a large zip-close plastic bag, combine the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, mustard powder and salt. Close the bag and shake to blend the seasonings.
• Place the chicken in the bag, then add the olive oil.
• Close the bag, gently pressing out any air.
• Gently knead the chicken, working the seasonings and oil so it thoroughly coats all of the meat. (I plan to toss it in the fridge overnight at this point).
• Place a chicken tender on each skewer. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the meat reaches at least 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer.

MAKE-BELIEVE MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, warm oil and cook chicken for 5 to 10 minutes or until no longer pink.
• Turn heat to low. Add sour cream, half and half, cumin, nutmeg, allspice, and ground white pepper to skillet; simmer for about 5 minutes or until sauce is smooth. Do not allow mixture to boil.
• Stir stewed tomatoes into the mixture and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes; serve.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN BURGERS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet.
• Add the onion, cinnamon, coriander, and pepper flakes to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper.
• Cook until the onions are tender, approximately 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and parsley and cook about 1 minute more.
• Move to a big bowl and let cool a little.
• Stir in the chicken and yogurt and mix thoroughly.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Shape into 4 1/2" round patties.
• Cook in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until nicely browned and cooked, about 5 minutes on each side.
• Brush burgers with the molasses and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Serve on toasted buns with mayonnaise(if using), tomato, cucumber, onion, lettuce and cilantro(if using). Enjoy!

MAFTOUL WITH CHICKEN - MIDDLE EASTERN (ISRAELI COUS COUS)

Steps:

• Fry the spices and onion in a little olive oil. Add the chicken and seal well.
• Bring 1/2 liter of water to the boil. Place maftoul in large bowl and pour over enough to cover the maftoul. After 10 seconds, drain off water and mix in 1/2 tsp salt before placing maftoul in the steamer.
• Pour tomatoes over chicken and add salt & pepper to taste. Cover with water (water should come about 2" over the ingredients). At this point you can add a chicken stock cube if you wish. Cover and cook for 45 mins on medium heat.
• If you have a large couscousier or double steamer you can cook the sauce in the bottom and maftoul in the top which is preferable as the maftoul absorbs the flavours --.
• Remove the chicken from the sauce and place on a baking sheet in the oven (180 degrees c) for 10 minutes to brown off and dry out.
• Whilst chicken is in the oven, add the chickpeas to the sauce and cook gently for 10 minutes.
• Check seasoning. Take 8 bowls, divide the maftoul between them. Pour over some sauce then top with the chicken pieces.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN WINGS

Steps:

• Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl or large ziploc bag.
• Throw the wings inches.
• Cover or seal in a ziploc bag and let marinate for 2 hours to overnight.
• Cook on a BBQ/hibatchi/grill until done.
• Serve hot.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN SLOPPY JOE

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, add the scallion whites cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomato, and raisins and cook over high heat until mixture is almost dry, about 6 minutes. Add the chicken and cook stirring until meat is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the green part of the scallions, yogurt, and pine nuts. Serve mixture stuffed into warm pita with tomato slices and cucumber slices.

MIDDLE-EASTERN SPICED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Mix yogurt, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken in yogurt mixture for 1-2 hours.
• Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute for a few minutes until they are becoming tender. Add chicken/marinade and apricots and continue to cook. After about five minutes, add orange juice and chicken broth. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• With a spoon, add some of the hot cooking liquid to a bowl. Mix with cornstarch until smooth, and return this mixture to the saucepan. Stir constantly until thickened. At this point, you may wish to add additional amounts of cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Serve with basmati rice. Note: for additional flavor, cook rice with chicken broth.

MIDDLE EASTERN-INSPIRED HERB AND GARLIC CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine chicken with all but 1 teaspoon of the grated garlic (save that teaspoon for the yogurt sauce), the zest and juice of 1 lemon, oil, parsley, mint, thyme, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the sesame seeds and sumac, if using. Cover and marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature; you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
• Heat grill or broiler. If grilling, cook chicken over high heat until charred in spots, 4 to 7 minutes. Flip pieces and continue grilling until just cooked through, another 4 to 7 minutes. If broiling, arrange a rack 3 to 4 inches from flame. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spread chicken out in a single layer. Broil chicken, turning halfway through cooking, until well colored and charred in spots, 4 to 7 minutes per side. Be careful that it doesn't burn.
• While chicken cooks, place yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in the reserved grated garlic and lemon zest and season to taste with salt. Serve the chicken drizzled with olive oil, remaining lemon juice to taste, black pepper, parsley and sesame seeds and sumac, if using, with the yogurt alongside for dipping.