Rabat — Chicken fatteh is a popular dish in the Levant, especially in Syria, that combines crispy bread, tender chicken, creamy yogurt, and chickpeas in layers.
Easy to prepare and packed with contrasting textures, this dish can make a flavorful lunch or dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper
For the yogurt sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1–2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
For the layers:
- 2–3 pieces of pita bread
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- A handful of pine nuts or almonds
- Fresh parsley
- Olive oil
How to prepare Syrian Chicken Fatteh
Season the chicken breasts with cumin, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken until golden on the outside and fully cooked inside.
Allow it to cool slightly before shredding or cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
Cut the pita bread into small pieces and toast them in the oven or lightly fry them in a pan until golden and crispy.
The bread provides the crunchy base that contrasts with the creamy yogurt sauce.
In a bowl, combine the yogurt, tahini, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
For a lighter consistency, add a small splash of water and stir until combined.
Start by placing the crispy pita pieces at the bottom of a serving dish. Add the warm chickpeas, followed by the cooked chicken.
Pour the yogurt-tahini sauce over the top, making sure it covers the main ingredients.
Finish with toasted pine nuts or almonds and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A small drizzle of olive oil can add an extra layer of flavor.
