Tastes Like Chicken! Recipes
(From Chicken Recipes Compiled Since 1992)

Makmura (Libyan Chicken Stew)

Category: Middle Eastern

Servings: 4-6

Description: Makmura is a traditional Libyan dish made by slow-cooking chicken in a fragrant onion-heavy broth seasoned with warming spices. The name “makmura” means “buried” or “covered,” referring to the way the chicken is nestled under the caramelized onions. It’s comforting, flavorful, and often served with bread or rice.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken
• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Optional Garnish
• Chopped parsley
• Warm flatbread or rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add sliced onions and cook over medium heat until golden and soft.
2. Add the garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until aromatic.
3. Nestle the chicken pieces into the onion mixture and coat well with spices.
4. Pour in the broth and lemon juice, making sure the chicken is partially submerged.
5. Cover the pot tightly and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until chicken is tender and onions have turned into a soft, rich sauce.
6. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley, with bread or rice to soak up the flavorful juices.