Introduction
Egyptian chicken and potato tray (Siniyet Batates bel Farakh) is one of the most popular home-cooked dishes in Egypt. It perfectly combines ease of preparation with the comforting, familiar flavors loved by everyone.
This dish is known for its wonderful harmony of tender potatoes, well-seasoned chicken, and tomatoes that release their juices during cooking to create a rich sauce that fills the home with warmth and irresistible aroma.
With simple ingredients and an easy method, chicken and potato tray remains an ideal choice for everyday lunch and a reliable dish that satisfies all tastes.
First: What Makes Egyptian Chicken and Potato Tray Special
1) Authentic Egyptian Chicken Marinade
The recipe relies on simple yet powerful spices such as salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and garlic.
This marinade gives the chicken a bold flavor that blends beautifully with the vegetables’ juices to create a delicious sauce.
2) Potatoes Cooked Slowly in the Sauce
Unlike fried potatoes, the potatoes in this dish cook slowly in chicken stock and tomato sauce, becoming soft on the inside and lightly golden on the outside.
3) Everyday Kitchen Ingredients
This recipe requires no expensive ingredients or complicated steps—it uses staples found in every Egyptian kitchen.
4) Perfect for the Whole Family
Whether using a whole chicken, quartered pieces, or just drumsticks, the result is always a hearty, filling meal.
Second: Essential Ingredients for Egyptian Chicken and Potato Tray
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 4 or 8 pieces
- 4 potatoes, cut into thick slices
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 grated tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Hot chili pepper (optional)
- Parsley for garnish
Third: Step-by-Step Preparation
1) Marinating the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and vinegar.
Let rest for about 20 minutes so the flavors are absorbed.
2) Preparing the Tray
Arrange the potato slices in the bottom of the baking dish, followed by onion slices and minced garlic.
Add the grated tomatoes and tomato paste evenly.
3) Adding the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
Drizzle with oil and add hot chili if desired for extra heat.
4) Adding the Stock
Pour the chicken stock around the ingredients without fully covering the chicken to ensure proper browning.
5) Baking
Place the tray in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 1 hour.
Halfway through, gently turn the potatoes to ensure even cooking.
6) Final Browning
Once the chicken is cooked through, switch on the grill/broiler for 10 minutes to achieve a golden, appetizing surface.
Fourth: Serving Suggestions
- Serve with plain white rice or rice with vermicelli.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or yogurt salad.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Fifth: Tips for Perfect Chicken and Potato Tray
1) Do Not Add Too Much Liquid
Excess stock can make the potatoes overly soft and affect the final texture.
2) Let the Tomatoes Reduce Well
Well-cooked tomatoes result in a richer sauce and deeper flavor.
3) Choose the Right Potatoes
Yellow potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape during long cooking.
4) Browning Adds Flavor
Finishing the dish under the grill enhances both taste and presentation.
Conclusion
Egyptian chicken and potato tray is more than just a home-style dish—it carries memories of family gatherings and warm lunch moments.
Its ease of preparation, simple ingredients, and rich flavor have made it one of the most widely loved recipes in Egypt and across the Arab world.
With authentic Egyptian spices and a few straightforward steps, you can prepare a chicken and potato tray that rivals the best traditional homemade meals.
