Delve into the rich and layered flavors of Chicken Fatta, a traditional Egyptian dish known for its delightful combination of textures and tastes. This dish layers crispy bread, aromatic rice, tender chicken, and a tangy garlic-vinegar sauce, topped with a creamy yogurt mixture, creating a culinary masterpiece.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: 1 portion
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
Ingredients
- Chicken, whole or in pieces: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs)
- Long grain rice: 2 cups (370 g or 13 oz)
- Arabic flatbread or pita bread: 3-4 pieces
- For the Garlic-Vinegar Sauce:
- Garlic cloves, crushed: 4
- White vinegar: 1/4 cup (60 ml or 2 oz)
- Chicken broth: 1 cup (240 ml or 8 oz)
- For the Yogurt Mixture:
- Plain yogurt: 2 cups (480 ml or 16 oz)
- Tahini: 2 tbsp (30 ml or 1 oz)
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (30 ml or 1 oz)
- Pine nuts or slivered almonds: For garnish
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Vegetable oil: For frying
Method of Preparation
- Cook the Chicken: Boil the chicken with salt and pepper until fully cooked. Shred or cut into pieces. Reserve the broth.
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice in chicken broth until tender.
- Make Garlic-Vinegar Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine garlic, vinegar, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes.
- Fry the Bread: Cut the bread into pieces and fry in oil until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Yogurt Mixture: Mix yogurt, tahini, and lemon juice.
- Assemble the Fatta: Layer the crispy bread, rice, and chicken in a serving dish. Pour the garlic-vinegar sauce over. Top with the yogurt mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with toasted pine nuts or almonds. Serve immediately.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Layering: Ensure each layer is evenly spread for balanced flavors in every bite.
- Crispy Bread: Fry the bread just before assembling to maintain its crispiness.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the garlic-vinegar sauce to your preference; it should be tangy but not overpowering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought fried bread or croutons?
Yes, for convenience, though fresh-fried bread adds a unique flavor.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use baked pita pieces instead of fried, and opt for low-fat yogurt.
Can I prepare Chicken Fatta in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead and assemble before serving.