Spiced Middle Eastern Fried Chicken
This delicious Spiced Middle Eastern Fried Chicken offers a unique twist on a classic favorite. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Middle East, this dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also elevates your summer gatherings or family meals. The chicken is simmered in a fragrant broth of spices and aromatics, allowing it to absorb rich flavors before being coated in flour and fried to golden perfection. Serve this crispy delight with fresh salads, fragrant rice, and olives to create a memorable meal that will transport your taste buds to another world.
8
Servings
437.5
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole roasting chickens
2 (cut up (or whatever pieces of chicken desired))
onion
1 (quartered)
garlic
1 clove (crushed)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
coriander
1 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
flour
as needed (for coating)
vegetable oil
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the cut-up chicken pieces in a large pot and cover them completely with water.
2
Add the quartered onion, crushed garlic, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine the ingredients.
3
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the aromatic flavors of the spices.
4
While the chicken simmers, heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5
Once the chicken is done simmering, carefully strain it from the broth and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
6
Roll each piece of chicken in flour to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
7
When the oil is hot, carefully add the floured chicken pieces to the oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes for legs and thighs, and 7-15 minutes for breast pieces, depending on their thickness.
8
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9
Serve your spiced fried chicken with a refreshing salad, fluffy rice, and tangy olives for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Nutrition Information
26.25g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Middle Eastern Fried Chicken?
It is a unique twist on classic fried chicken where the meat is simmered in a fragrant spiced broth before being floured and fried to golden perfection.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What are the primary spices used in this dish?
The main spices used are ground turmeric and ground coriander, along with salt and pepper.
Do I need to boil the chicken before frying?
Yes, the instructions specify simmering the chicken in a pot of water with aromatics for 20-25 minutes before frying.
What is the purpose of simmering the chicken first?
Simmering allows the chicken to absorb rich flavors from the spices and aromatics, ensuring the meat is tender and flavorful.
What temperature should the frying oil reach?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken.
How long does it take to fry the chicken legs and thighs?
Legs and thighs typically take about 15-20 minutes to fry until golden brown and cooked through.
How long should I fry the chicken breast pieces?
Breast pieces usually take between 7 to 15 minutes, depending on their thickness.
What kind of oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for this recipe due to its suitability for high-heat frying.
What ingredients are needed for the simmering broth?
The broth consists of water, a quartered onion, crushed garlic, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken?
There are approximately 437.5 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 35 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 26.25 grams per serving.
Are there many carbohydrates in this fried chicken?
There are 12.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the flour coating.
How many chickens do I need to buy?
The recipe calls for 2 whole roasting chickens, which should be cut into pieces.
Can I use specific chicken pieces instead of whole chickens?
Yes, you can use whatever pieces of chicken you desire as long as the total amount is equivalent.
What is the best way to coat the chicken in flour?
Roll each piece of chicken in flour to ensure an even coating and then shake off any excess before frying.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The recipe requires one clove of garlic that has been crushed.
What should I do after the chicken is finished frying?
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
What are some suggested side dishes for this meal?
This chicken pairs well with fresh salads, fragrant or fluffy rice, and tangy olives.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
While it contains aromatic spices like turmeric and coriander, it is flavorful rather than intensely hot, making it suitable for family meals.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe uses 1 crushed clove of garlic.
Should the chicken be cooled before coating it?
Yes, after straining the chicken from the broth, allow it to cool for a few minutes before rolling it in flour.
Can I use a deep fryer for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a deep fryer or a standard frying pan.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the chicken, aromatics, spices, flour, and oil.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugar.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be peeled and quartered before being added to the pot.
Can this recipe be served at summer gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a dish that can elevate summer gatherings and family meals.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific amount for fiber.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or to taste.