Yemeni Chicken Moukhbaza
A flavorful and aromatic Yemeni dish featuring tender chicken cooked with a blend of spices, often served with rice or flatbread. Moukhbaza refers to a type of stew or braised dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken(cut into 8 pieces)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or diced)
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Water or chicken broth
- 1.5 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 4 pods Cardamom pods(lightly crushed)
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken.
- 5
Pour in the water or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- 6
Remove the lid and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick before serving.
- 8
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or Yemeni flatbread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of water.
- ✓Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of saffron for a more luxurious flavor and color.
- Include diced potatoes or carrots in the stew for a heartier meal.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped green chili pepper along with the onions.