Ancient Egyptian Chicken Recipe

Unlock the secrets of ancient Egyptian cuisine with this flavorful broiled chicken recipe! We'll brine the chicken overnight to create incredibly juicy and tender meat, then marinate it in a fragrant blend of spices for an unforgettable taste. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 480 mins
Calories 1042.8 kcal
Protein 117g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Ancient Egyptian Chicken

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Ancient Egyptian Chicken

  • Whole Chickens
  • Olive Oil
  • Ground Cumin
  • Ground Coriander
  • Onion
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Beer
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper

How to Make Ancient Egyptian Chicken

  1. **Brine the Chicken:** In a large container, dissolve 1/4 cup kosher salt and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 8 cups of cold water. Submerge the whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs) in the brine and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
  2. **Prepare the Marinade:** (See ingredient list for specific measurements and recipe). Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
  3. **Marinate the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  4. **Preheat & Prepare:** Preheat your broiler to high. If using a whole chicken, you can either leave it whole or butterfly it for faster cooking.
  5. **Broil the Chicken:** Place the chicken on a broiler pan lined with foil. Broil for the recommended time (see timing guidelines below), basting with the reserved marinade every 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking and enhance flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. **Rest & Serve:** Once cooked, remove the chicken from the broiler and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

5g

Fat

94g

Carbs

3g