Lebanese Chicken Fatteh – Layers of Chicken, Pita, and Yogurt

Lebanese Chicken Fatteh is a flavorful and comforting dish that layers tender chicken, crispy pita bread, and a creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce. This iconic Lebanese dish is a feast for the senses, with its perfect balance of textures and savory flavors. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or as a meze, Chicken Fatteh is sure to impress with its combination of crunchy, creamy, and aromatic elements.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Number of Servings: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 large portion per person, with a side of salad or pickles

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Dietary Preferences: Can be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free pita bread.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

• 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional for color)

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Crispy Pita:

• 2 large pita breads, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

For Garnishing:

• Chopped parsley
• Toasted pine nuts (optional)
• Pomegranate seeds (optional)

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Season with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks. Set aside.
2. Make the Yogurt Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Pita:
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Tear the pita breads into small pieces and spread them out on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with cumin and paprika, and toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. Assemble the Fatteh:
   In a large serving dish, layer the ingredients starting with a base of crispy pita. Top with half of the shredded chicken, followed by a generous layer of yogurt sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pita, chicken, and yogurt sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, toasted pine nuts, and pomegranate seeds for added crunch and color. Serve immediately with a side of fresh salad or pickles for a complete meal.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Chicken Options: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most commonly used for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just make sure to shred the meat after cooking.
• Crispy Pita Variations: If you prefer, you can deep fry the pita pieces for a more indulgent result, though baking is a healthier option.
• Yogurt Sauce Adjustments: For a thicker yogurt sauce, strain the yogurt for a few hours to remove excess water. You can also add a pinch of ground sumac to the yogurt sauce for an extra tangy kick.
• Vegan Variation: To make a vegan version of this dish, replace the chicken with roasted vegetables (like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers) and use dairy-free yogurt and tahini for the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I prepare the Chicken Fatteh in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken, yogurt sauce, and pita bread ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the dish just before serving to ensure the pita stays crispy.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread instead of pita?
A: While pita is traditional, you can use any flatbread or even toasted baguette slices as a substitute for the crispy bread layer.

Q: How can I make the dish spicier?
A: To add more heat, you can incorporate some chopped green chilies into the chicken mixture or drizzle a little hot sauce or chili oil over the finished dish.

Q: Can I serve Chicken Fatteh as a main dish?
A: Absolutely! While often served as a side dish or appetizer, Chicken Fatteh is hearty enough to serve as a main course, especially when paired with a salad or side vegetables.

Lebanese Chicken Fatteh is a delightful combination of warm, spiced chicken, crispy pita, and creamy yogurt sauce that brings a wonderful array of textures and flavors to your table. Whether served for a special occasion or as a casual weeknight dinner, this dish will transport you straight to the heart of Lebanon. Serve it with a fresh salad, pickles, or even some olives for the ultimate Middle Eastern feast.