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A close-up of Syrian chicken and rice, showcasing the tender, juicy meat and fragrant spices.

Syrian Chicken Recipe (The Best & Easiest Method)

This authentic Syrian Chicken Recipe delivers incredibly tender, juicy chicken with a rich, aromatic blend of 7-spice. A simple and flavorful Middle Eastern dish perfect for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Syrian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces thighs and drumsticks work best
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Syrian 7-Spice (Baharat)
  • 1.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced

Equipment

  • 1 Large Bowl
  • 1 Baking Dish or Sheet Pan
  • 1 Meat Thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Syrian 7-Spice, salt, and black pepper to form a paste.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands to thoroughly coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Spread the thinly sliced onions on the bottom of a large baking dish or rimmed sheet pan. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on top of the onions.
  5. Roast for 45-55 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
This recipe also works wonderfully on the grill. Cook over medium-high heat until cooked through.