Slow-Simmered Passover Chicken with Onions and Dates

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

Tender chicken thighs slowly simmered in a fragrant onion and date broth, blending savory and subtle sweetness, inspired by traditional Passover flavors. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, yellow onions, Medjool dates for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and brown on each side for 4 minutes until golden; transfer chicken to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 8 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Add 10 chopped pitted Medjool dates and 2 cups chicken broth; stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stir gently.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Passover Chicken with Onions and Dates 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 Passover Chicken with Onions and Dates?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Passover Chicken with Onions and Dates?

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 Passover Chicken with Onions and Dates 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-Simmered Passover Chicken with Onions and Dates?

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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