If you're a fan of Lebanese cuisine, you've probably heard of maqluba (also spelled maqlooba), a dish that translates to "upside down" in Arabic. This traditional dish is full of flavor and history, and it's a staple in many Lebanese households. Maqluba is often made with lamb or beef, but today we'll be sharing a delicious Lebanese chicken maqluba recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. This wholesome and hearty dish is perfect for any occasion, and it's surprisingly easy to make. So, put on your apron and get ready to experience the delicious flavors of Lebanon with this professional and well-organized introduction to Lebanese chicken maqluba.
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Lemon, Garlic, Salt
Lebanese chicken tawook is a popular dish in the Middle Eastern cuisine. It's made with marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection and served with a garlic tahini sauce. The chicken is tender and juicy, with a hint of smoky flavor from the grill. It's a must-try for anyone who loves Lebanese food.
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Lebanese Chicken Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Chicken, Onions, Shredded Carrots, Chicken
This hearty soup is a staple in Lebanese households, especially during the colder months. Made with lentils, chicken, and a blend of aromatic spices, it's a flavorful and comforting dish that will warm you up from the inside out. It's also packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option for a meal.
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Fragrant Lebanese Chicken Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Onion, Large Carrot, Celery Stalk, Cinnamon
Similar to the lentil soup, this fragrant chicken soup is a popular dish in Lebanon. It's made with chicken, vegetables, and a blend of spices. The aroma of the soup is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste is even better. It's a great option for those looking for a light and healthy meal.
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Shish Taouk – Lebanese Chicken Skewers
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Greek Yogurt, Extra
Shish taouk, also known as chicken kebabs, is a popular street food in Lebanon. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a blend of spices and grilled on skewers. The result is a juicy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served with rice and vegetables. It's a must-try for all meat lovers.
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Garlicky Lebanese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Garlic Olive Oil, Ghee, Chicken Thighs, Vidalia Onion
If you love garlic, then you'll love this dish. Lebanese chicken thighs are marinated in a garlic and lemon sauce and grilled to perfection. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and the chicken thighs turn out juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Serve it with a side of rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
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Lebanese Chicken with 7-Spice
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Olive Oil, Salt, Cracked Pepper, Spice, Large
Lebanese 7-spice, also known as Baharat, is a blend of seven aromatic spices commonly used in Lebanese cuisine. This dish features chicken marinated in a blend of these spices and grilled to perfection. The result is a flavorful and fragrant chicken dish that will transport you to the streets of Lebanon.
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Lebanese Chicken And Rice - Roz Bi Jaj
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Chicken, Salt, Canela, Carrot, Celery
Roz bi jaj, which translates to "rice with chicken," is a classic Lebanese comfort food. It's made with chicken, rice, and a blend of spices, and it's a staple in many Lebanese households. The chicken is tender and flavorful, and the rice is cooked to perfection. It's a simple yet delicious dish that will leave you feeling satisfied.
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Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej)
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Beef, Onions, Bay Leaves, Cinnamon
Similar to roz bi jaj, this dish is a Lebanese version of chicken and rice. The chicken is cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, then mixed with rice and cooked until the flavors are fully absorbed. It's a filling and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Plain Yogurt, Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Oil
Shawarma is a popular Lebanese street food that has gained popularity all over the world. It's made by roasting marinated chicken on a spit and slicing it off when it's fully cooked. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken that is usually served in a pita wrap with a variety of toppings and sauces. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of Lebanon.
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Lebanese Chicken Fatteh
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Pita Bread, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pine
Fatteh is a traditional Lebanese dish made with layers of toasted pita bread, chickpeas, yogurt, and a variety of toppings. This version features chicken on top of the layers, adding a delicious protein to the dish. It's a unique and tasty dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
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Crispy Lebanese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Bone In Skin On Chicken Thigh, Garlic Cloves, Olive
This dish features chicken coated in a crispy and flavorful crust, making it a favorite among many chicken lovers. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, then coated in flour and fried to perfection. It's a simple yet delicious dish that can be served with a side of rice or vegetables.
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Maqluba – Up Side Down (Chicken & Rice)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Chicken, Paprika, Tumeric, Baharat, Salt
Maqluba is a popular dish in the Middle Eastern cuisine, and it's a staple in Lebanese households. It features layers of rice, vegetables, and chicken cooked together in a pot, then flipped upside down when it's fully cooked. The result is a beautiful and flavorful dish that will impress your guests.
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Shredded Chicken Maqluba
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Onion, Bay Leaves
Similar to the traditional maqluba, this version features shredded chicken instead of whole chicken pieces. The chicken is cooked with vegetables and rice, then shredded and mixed together before being flipped upside down. It's a delicious and unique twist on a classic Lebanese dish.
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Lebanese Chicken Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Medium Zucchini, Ground Chicken, Sliced Scallions
Meatballs are a worldwide favorite, and the Lebanese version is no exception. These chicken meatballs are made with a blend of spices, then cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. They are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Serve them with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
This dish is a fusion of Lebanese and Southern cuisine. It features chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce made with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and onions. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that will leave you wanting more. Serve it with mashed potatoes or rice for a true comfort food experience.
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Beer Can Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Beer, Olive Oil, Brown Sugar, Tarragon, Salt
Beer can chicken is a popular dish in many countries, and the Lebanese version is just as delicious. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, then placed on a can of beer and roasted in the oven or on the grill. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that is perfect for any occasion.
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Chicken Adobo
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bay Leaves, Soy Sauce, White Vinegar, Garlic
Chicken adobo is a traditional Filipino dish that has made its way to Lebanese households. The chicken is marinated in a blend of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices, then cooked until tender and flavorful. It's a unique and delicious dish that will add some variety to your meals.
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Shish Tawook (Lebanese Chicken Skewers)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Lemon, Garlic Cloves, Plain Yogurt
Shish tawook is a popular dish in Lebanon, and it's no surprise that it made it to this list twice. This version features chicken skewers marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, then grilled to perfection. The result is a juicy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course.
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One Pot Lebanese Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Olive Oil, Salt
This dish is a perfect option for a quick and easy meal. It features chicken, pasta, and a blend of spices cooked together in one pot, making clean up a breeze. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
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Instant Pot Lebanese Chicken Soup
Main Ingredients: Large Carrots, Onion, Celery, Chickpeas, Chicken
If you have an Instant Pot, then this Lebanese chicken soup is a must-try. It's made with chicken, vegetables, and a blend of spices, and it's ready in just a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stove. It's a delicious and nutritious meal that will warm you up on a cold day.
The History of Maqluba
The Origins of the Dish
Maqluba has been a staple in Lebanese cuisine for centuries and its origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire. The dish was traditionally prepared in a large pot, with layers of rice, meat, and vegetables. Once cooked, the pot would be flipped upside down onto a serving platter, hence the name "maqluba." This technique not only gave the dish its unique appearance but also allowed all the flavors to meld together, creating a truly delicious meal.
A Dish with Many Variations
Over the years, many variations of maqluba have emerged, with each region and household adding their own unique twist to the recipe. Some use different types of meat, such as chicken or fish, while others incorporate a variety of vegetables. However, the foundation of the dish remains the same - layers of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked together in a pot and then flipped onto a platter.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Chicken
For this Lebanese chicken maqluba recipe, you'll need bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks. Bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish and ensures that the meat stays moist during the cooking process.
Spices
The key to a delicious maqluba is the combination of spices used. Some of the essential spices for this dish include cumin, coriander, paprika, and allspice. These spices not only add depth of flavor but also give the dish its signature red color.
Rice
Rice is another crucial ingredient in this dish, and it's important to use a long-grain variety, such as basmati. The rice is cooked in chicken broth, which adds more flavor to the dish.
Vegetables
The most commonly used vegetables in maqluba are eggplant, potatoes, and cauliflower. These vegetables are sliced and fried before being added to the pot, adding a delicious crispy texture to the dish.
How to Make Lebanese Chicken Maqluba
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
The first step in making this Lebanese chicken maqluba recipe is to season the chicken pieces with a mixture of spices, including cumin, coriander, paprika, allspice, salt, and pepper. Then, brown the chicken in a pot until it's golden on both sides.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables by slicing them and frying them until they are golden brown. Once cooked, set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in a Pot
Next, add a layer of rice to the pot, followed by the cooked chicken and fried vegetables. Repeat this process until all the ingredients are used up, making sure to end with a layer of rice on top.
Step 4: Cook and Flip
Add chicken broth to the pot until it covers all the ingredients, then cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes. Once cooked, carefully flip the pot onto a serving platter, and voila! Your delicious Lebanese chicken maqluba is ready to be enjoyed.
In conclusion, maqluba is a dish that truly represents the rich history and flavors of Lebanese cuisine. This Lebanese chicken maqluba recipe is a fantastic way to experience the delicious tastes of Lebanon in your own home. So, gather your loved ones and indulge in this traditional and wholesome dish that is sure to become a family favorite.