Djej Bil Besla (Algerian Chicken With Onions)

Name: Djej Bil Besla (Algerian Chicken With Onions)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, crushed; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 5 tablespoons olive oil; 4 skinless chicken thighs (bone-in); 4 skinless chicken drumsticks (bone-in); 1 teaspoon saffron thread, crushed; 4 medium yellow onions, cut into 12 wedges each; fresh ground black pepper, to taste; 1 lemon, thinly sliced crosswise seeds removed; 1 1/4 cups green olives, pitted; 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, minced; hot cooked rice

Servings: persons

1 tablespoon kosher salt
6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, crushed
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
5 tablespoons olive oil
4 skinless chicken thighs (bone-in)
4 skinless chicken drumsticks (bone-in)
1 teaspoon saffron thread, crushed
4 medium yellow onions, cut into 12 wedges each
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 lemon, thinly sliced crosswise seeds removed
1 1/4 cups green olives, pitted
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, minced
hot cooked rice

1
Using the flat side of your knife, chop and mash salt and garlic together on a cutting board into a smooth paste. Transfer paste to a large bowl and stir in cumin, paprika, and turmeric.
2
Stir in 3 tbsp oil and then add chicken thighs and drumsticks. Toss until evenly coated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
3
Heat remaining oil in an 8 qt Dutch oven or large tagine over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add chicken pieces and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4
Add saffron and onions to pot. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft (about 15 minutes).
5
Return chicken to pot along with lemon slices and 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, covered, until chicken is cooked through (about 40 minutes).
6
Remove from heat and scatter olives and cilantro over chicken. Serve over rice.

795

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped, 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, crushed, 2 teaspoons paprika, and more.

Yes, Djej Bil Besla (Algerian Chicken With Onions) falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!