Slow-Simmered Chicken with Aromatic Lebanese Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a fragrant sauce of cinnamon, allspice, and garlic, delivering deep, comforting flavors. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, large onion, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for 4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add 1 large thinly sliced onion. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Cook the spices and paste for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture darkens slightly and smells aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, skin side up.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken before serving to add brightness and color.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Chicken with Aromatic Lebanese Spices take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Chicken with Aromatic Lebanese Spices?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Chicken with Aromatic Lebanese Spices?

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-Simmered Chicken with Aromatic Lebanese Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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-Simmered Chicken with Aromatic Lebanese Spices?

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.

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