Yemeni Chicken Madbi
Madbi is a popular Yemeni dish where chicken is marinated in a flavorful spice blend and then grilled over a special grill made of stones or a grill pan. The result is a smoky, tender, and incredibly aromatic chicken.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 about 3-4 lbs Whole chicken(cut into 8 pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Hawaij spice blend
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 2 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 0.5 cup Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, Hawaij spice blend, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well to form a paste.
💡 Tip: Using fresh spices will enhance the flavor. - 2
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and rub it in thoroughly, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4-6 hours in the refrigerator.
⏱️ 2-6 hours - 3
Prepare the grilling surface: If using a traditional madbi grill with stones, heat them until very hot. If using a grill pan or outdoor grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. You can also adapt this for oven baking.
💡 Tip: Ensure the grill is clean to prevent sticking. - 4
Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot grill or grill pan. Grill for about 20-25 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. For oven baking, place chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40-50 minutes, turning halfway through.
⏱️ 40-50 minutes - 5
Make the sauce (optional): While the chicken is grilling, in a small saucepan, combine tomato paste and water. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. This can be served as a dipping sauce.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, traditionally with Yemeni flatbread (like Malawach or Khobz), rice, and a side salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the chicken is cut into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary.
- ✓Basting with leftover marinade or olive oil during grilling can add moisture and flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Marinate the chicken with a bit of yogurt for extra tenderness.
- Add finely chopped chilies to the marinade for a spicier version.