Syrian-Style Honey-Glazed Chicken with Currants and Spices Recipe

Introduction

Discover the rich and aromatic flavors of Syrian cuisine with this exquisite Syrian Style Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, honey, and currants create a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s an inviting dish that pairs beautifully with rice or couscous for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup currants (or raisins)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them in the pot until golden on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add the cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, allspice, coriander, cloves, and black pepper to the onions and garlic. Stir well and cook for 2 more minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
4. Step 4: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add honey, currants (or raisins), and water or chicken broth. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6. Step 6: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with rice, couscous, or quinoa, and a side of yogurt if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and honey for a few hours before cooking.
• If currants are not available, use raisins or chopped dried apricots as a sweet alternative.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat if you enjoy a bit of spice.
• Serve with a dollop of Greek or coconut yogurt to balance the sweetness and spices.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To prevent drying, add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth or water, making it suitable for people with gluten sensitivities.

Syrian-Style Honey-Glazed Chicken with Currants and Spices Recipe

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4.7 from 135 reviews

This Syrian Style Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant sauce of warm spices, honey, and currants. The combination of cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and other spices creates a rich, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with rice or couscous. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish embodies comforting Middle Eastern home cooking with a sweet and savory profile.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Syrian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Sauce and Seasoning

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup currants or raisins
• 1 cup water or chicken broth

Garnish

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then brown them in the pot until golden on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken pieces and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. Add the ground cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, allspice, coriander, cloves, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
3. Cook the Chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Add honey, currants (or raisins), and water or chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
4. Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a serving platter. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley. Serve this fragrant Syrian chicken with rice, couscous, quinoa, and optionally a dollop of Greek or coconut yogurt for a complete meal.

Notes

• You can substitute raisins if currants are unavailable.
• Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
• Adjust the honey amount to your preference for sweetness.
• Serve with your favorite grain like rice or couscous.
• Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh taste.

Keywords: Syrian chicken recipe, Middle Eastern chicken, spiced chicken stew, honey chicken, currants chicken, flavorful chicken dish