Hearty and Healthy Chicken Gallaba Recipe
Come one, come all! Get ready to feast your eyes (and your stomachs) on the most delicious Lebanese dish you’ve ever tasted. Welcome to my chicken gallaba recipe, a mouth-watering stir-fry that’ll take your taste buds on a journey to the streets of Yemen and Lebanon.
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I’m always on the lookout for new recipes that are easy to make but impress my guests. And this chicken gallaba recipe ticks all the boxes. Not only is it packed with flavor and spice, but it’s also gluten-free and can be easily adapted for a vegetarian or seafood version.
So whether you’re planning a dinner party, a family gathering, or just looking for some comfort food, this galaba qalaba (as it’s known in Yemen) is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its tender chunks of sautéed chicken and colorful assortment of vegetables, cooked in olive oil and coated in garlic sauce, this dish is as hearty as it is healthy.
But don’t take my word for it, why not try it out for yourself? Follow these simple steps to whip up the best chicken gallaba you’ve ever tasted. Are you ready? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you on the hunt for a new and exciting recipe that is sure to please your family or guests? Look no further than the delicious and flavorful Chicken Gallaba dish!
This dish is a Lebanese favorite and for good reason – it is packed full of healthy veggies like zucchini, onion, and green pepper, and is perfectly seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices. And let’s not forget about the star of the show – tender and juicy chicken breasts cut into chunks and sautéed to perfection.
Not only is this recipe delicious, it’s also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to make substitutions or variations to cater to your own taste buds.
So whether you’re looking for a new twist on your favorite stir fry or want to try out an exotic new recipe from Yemen, the Chicken Gallaba is sure to be a hit in your home. Give it a try and discover why it’s one of our all-time favorites!
Ingredient List
If you want to make the best Chicken Gallaba at home, you must focus on using fresh and quality ingredients. I recommend buying some vegetables from your local farmers market because their produce is usually fresh and supportive of your local community. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this delicious Lebanese dish:
Main ingredients:
- 2 large Chicken Breasts (sliced into strips)
- 1 can of Tomatoes with Juice (14 ounces)
- 1 Onion (cut into slices)
- 1 Green Pepper (cleaned and sliced)
- 1 Red Pepper (cleaned and sliced)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 Zucchini (cut into chunks)
Spices:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried Oregano
- Cumin
Fresh Herbs:
- Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Oil:
- Olive Oil
You can find these ingredients easily in any grocery store or online. Make sure you have everything on hand before starting to prepare the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get right into the recipe for Chicken Gallaba, also spelled Ghallaba or Galaba. This Lebanese dish is a delicious blend of chicken, veggies and spices. It is also gluten-free, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 can of tomatoes with juice
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 small or 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1 large or 2 small onion, diced
- 1 large or 2 small green pepper, sliced
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat up the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add more olive oil if needed, and stir-fry the onion, garlic and green pepper until they soften.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Add the zucchini slices to the pan and continue stirring for a few more minutes. Then, add back in the chicken along with canned tomatoes with juice. Add spices and stir gently.
Step 4: Bring to Boil
Once everything is combined, bring to a boil with a lid on. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently until everything is tender enough to your liking.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot in a shallow bowl topped with fresh parsley. Chicken Gallaba tastes amazing when paired with rice or toasted bread.
This recipe yields around four servings of flavorful Chicken Gallaba.
That’s all there is to it – you now have a delicious Lebanese dish that will be sure to impress your guests!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making gallaba, there are a lot of different ways to get creative with the recipe. Don’t be afraid to change things up and experiment with different ingredients to make the dish your own.
One variation you can try is using shrimp or beef instead of chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making lamb or salmon ghallaba!
Vegetarians can enjoy this classic Lebanese dish too by making a vegetarian ghallaba. Simply omit the chicken and add in more vegetables such as eggplant, carrots, and cauliflower.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
You can also play around with the spices and herbs used in the recipe. Try adding in some cumin, coriander, or turmeric for an extra kick of flavor.
Another variation is to make a gallaba sandwich by stuffing pita bread with the chicken gallaba and adding some garlic sauce and parsley on top.
Overall, there are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing this delicious Lebanese dish. Use your creativity and taste buds to find your favorite combination!
Serving and Pairing
Once your chicken gallaba is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up! This delicious Lebanese dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with some complementary sides.
A classic way to serve chicken gallaba is with rice pilaf – the fluffy rice does an excellent job of soaking up all the juicy flavors in the dish. You can also opt for plain white rice, couscous, or quinoa if you prefer.
For vegetables, you may want to go for something simple like a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies. Sautéed spinach, carrots, and asparagus are all excellent options that will bring a nice pop of color to your plate.
Don’t forget about bread! Chicken gallaba is quite saucy, which makes it ideal for scooping up with pita bread or even naan. Plus, it’s a great excuse to share the dish with loved ones by tearing off bite-sized pieces of bread and dipping them into the sauce.
If you want to elevate things a bit, pair your chicken gallaba with a Lebanese wine. A crisp white wine like Chateau Musar Jeune Blanc or a fruity red like Chateau Ksara Reserve du Couvent would both pair well with this dish.
With so many options available, you’re sure to find a pairing that suits your tastes perfectly. And remember – don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, you might be wondering if you can prepare this scrumptious chicken gallaba recipe ahead of time. The answer is yes! In fact, the flavors tend to be even more delicious when the dish has had a chance to rest and meld together.
To make-ahead, I recommend cooking the chicken gallaba up until the last step of adding the fresh herbs. Simply store the fully cooked dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
When it comes to reheating your leftovers, I recommend doing so on a stove top over low heat. Gradually increase the temperature until it’s heated all the way through. This will help ensure that your chicken gallaba retains its beautiful texture and flavor.
If you’re dealing with a particularly hungry crowd, and there aren’t any leftovers to store, you can double up on the recipe to make sure that everyone is satisfied. And don’t worry about feeling guilty for eating too much because this dish is gluten-free and healthy for you.
With this recipe’s make-ahead potential and straightforward reheating instructions, you’ll always have this delicious Lebanese cuisine in your back pocket as a quick meal or exciting party fare.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking the perfect chicken gallaba requires a bit of skill and some essential tips to achieve flavorful, tender and juicy meat. Here are my top tips for perfecting this mouth-watering Lebanese dish.
One of the most critical aspects of this recipe is the cooking process. I suggest sautéing your chicken strips in olive oil over medium heat, allowing them to cook through without drying out while also developing superb flavors. When cooking the vegetables, make sure not to overcook them as this might result in mushy or tough veggies that overshadow the taste of your chicken.
Incorporating spices into your gallaba recipe will take it to another level. As a general rule, be moderate with adding spices, especially if you’re trying a new one, as too much can easily overpower the dish or make it too spicy.
Good quality ingredients are crucial to any recipe, but when it comes to Lebanese cuisine, I would opt for fresh vegetables like zucchini, red pepper and onion – these veggies give the dish a vibrant color and taste that you cannot get from frozen veggies.
Another tip to keep in mind is not to skip marinating your chicken chunks before cooking them. The marinade will help tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy and flavor-packed bites. You can either use overnight marination or marinate for thirty minutes before sautéing the chicken strips.
Lastly, allow your gallaba recipe to simmer on low heat after adding all ingredients for a few minutes. Doing so helps blend all the flavors together and creates an even more delicious final product. Make sure you taste-test often and adjust seasoning level according to your preferences.
Follow these tips carefully, and your gallaba dish would come out perfect every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chicken Gallaba Recipe is one of the most delicious and nutritious dishes you can serve to your guests. It is perfect for large gatherings and intimate dinner parties alike. Whether you are a seasoned home chef or a culinary novice, you can easily follow the instructions and prepare a mouthwatering meal that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
What’s more, this recipe is versatile and offers plenty of variations and substitutions so that you can adapt it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.
So why not try out this delicious Lebanese dish? Your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will be impressed by your culinary skills. Make sure to pair it with the right wine, bread, and side dishes to take it to the next level. With these tips and tricks in mind, you are ready to cook up the best chicken gallaba recipe out there!
Chicken Gallaba Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 ounces chicken breasts, cut into chunks and sauted
- 1 cup green pepper, cleaned and sliced into strips
- 1 cup red pepper, cleaned and sliced into strips
- 1 cup onion, cleaned and sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 (16 ounce) can stewed tomatoes with juice
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Arabic seven spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper (Or To Taste)
Instructions
- Mix the dry spices and pat into the chicken. (Begin with half the 7 spice and add the rest later as desired for additional flavor.)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven. Brown the chicken uncovered on medium heat for about 1 minute on each side. Remove the chicken from the Dutch oven and set aside.
- Set the heat to medium-low. Add the 3 remaining tablespoons olive oil to the same Dutch oven. When it is hot, add onions and pepper and cook till onion starts to brown.
- Add everything else and stir well, cover and simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes.
- See to it that there is enough juice all the time. If the tomatoes are not juicy enough, and the liquid evaporates, add some hot water.
- Serve with salad, rice and pita.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!