Slow-Baked Iraqi Tebsi Chicken with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Iraqi chicken casserole slow-baked in a tangy, spiced tomato sauce infused with secret spices for a deep, comforting flavor. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, large, finely chopped onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Rub 6 bone-in chicken thighs evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1/4 tsp chili powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly, then add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Step 4: Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs into the sauce, spoon some sauce over them, then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 1 hour until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top, and serve warm with rice or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Baked Iraqi Tebsi Chicken with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Baked Iraqi Tebsi Chicken with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Baked Iraqi Tebsi Chicken with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Baked Iraqi Tebsi Chicken with Spiced Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Baked Iraqi Tebsi Chicken with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes