Chicken Bastilla
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Recipe Category: Chicken
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Moroccan, African, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 652.2
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 11.3g
- Cholesterol: 266.2mg
- Sodium: 366.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 30.5g
- Fiber: 3.2g
- Sugar: 3.6g
- Protein: 39.6g
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 onion
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger
- 1/8 tsp saffron threads
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp parsley
- 4 eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 sheets phyllo dough
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Confectioners’ sugar and ground cinnamon (for dusting)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in a saucepan with onion, ginger, saffron, cilantro, 1 tsp cinnamon, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add enough water to barely cover the chicken.
- Simmer covered for 45 minutes or until chicken is tender.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer chicken to a plate when done.
- Boil the cooking juices until reduced to a thick sauce.
- Set aside.
- Once cooled, remove chicken skin and bones; coarsely chop the meat.
- Beat eggs and butter with half of the reduced cooking juices.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until eggs are scrambled.
- Set aside.
-
Prepare the Pastry:
- Toast almonds in a dry pan until lightly browned.
- Add remaining cinnamon and sugar to the almonds.
- On a baking sheet, layer phyllo pastry sheets to make a square, three layers thick, 18 inches across.
- Spread remaining cooking juices in a 7-inch circle in the center of the pastry.
- Spread egg mixture over the circle, then add chicken and almonds.
- Fold sides of pastry over the filling to enclose completely.
- Patch any gaps with additional pastry, brushing with olive oil.
-
Bake:
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until pastry is golden and crisp.
-
Serve:
- To serve, lightly dust Chicken Bastilla with confectioners’ sugar and ground cinnamon over the top.
Recipe Notes:
Chicken Bastilla, a traditional Moroccan dish, offers a delightful blend of savory chicken, aromatic spices, and crispy phyllo pastry. It’s perfect as an appetizer or even a main course for a special occasion. The preparation involves simmering the chicken with a medley of spices until tender, then combining it with scrambled eggs and toasted almonds wrapped in layers of delicate phyllo pastry. The final touch of dusting with confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon adds a hint of sweetness to complement the rich flavors within. Enjoy this exotic dish warm, straight from the oven, for an unforgettable culinary experience that captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine.
