Chtitha Djedj (Algerian Chicken with by Abigail Zysk

Name: Chtitha Djedj (Algerian Chicken with Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Algerian
Ingredients: 3 lb bone-in skin-on chicken thighs; 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and boiled until tender; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 clove garlic, minced; 1 medium bell pepper, chopped; 2 medium tomato, grated or finely chopped; 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 tsp ground cumin; 0.5 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp paprika; 0.25 tsp ground ginger; 0.5 tsp harissa paste or finely chopped red chili (adjust to taste); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cup chicken broth; Cooking spray; Parsley (garnish)

A flavorful Algerian dish featuring chicken thighs simmered in a spicy tomato sauce with chickpeas and aromatic spices.

Step 1

In a mortar and pestle, combine minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, paprika, ground ginger, harissa paste or chopped chili, and a pinch of salt. Grind into a paste. I do not have a mortar and pestle, I mashed everything together into a bowl with a spoon. Seemed to work well!

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened.

Step 1

Add the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt and black pepper, and brown on all sides.

Step 1

Stir in the prepared spice paste, tomato paste, and grated tomato. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 1

Pour in chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.

Step 1

Add the cooked chickpeas to the pot. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

For a spicier dish, adjust the amount of harissa paste or red chili according to your taste.

Soaking the chickpeas overnight will help them cook faster and become tender.

You can use canned chickpeas for a quicker preparation, just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.

What can I serve with Chtitha Djedj?

This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, Chtitha Djedj can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

A flavorful Algerian dish featuring chicken thighs simmered in a spicy tomato sauce with chickpeas and aromatic spices.

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened.

Step 1

Add the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt and black pepper, and brown on all sides.

Step 1

Stir in the prepared spice paste, tomato paste, and grated tomato. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 1

Pour in chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.

Step 1

Add the cooked chickpeas to the pot. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

For a spicier dish, adjust the amount of harissa paste or red chili according to your taste.

Soaking the chickpeas overnight will help them cook faster and become tender.

You can use canned chickpeas for a quicker preparation, just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.

What can I serve with Chtitha Djedj?

This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, Chtitha Djedj can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Chtitha Djedj (Algerian Chicken with Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce)

Stuck mid-recipe?

Ingredients

Protein

Legumes

Vegetables & Herbs

Spices

Other

Want to keep this recipe for later? We can email it to you!

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

443.7kcal (22.18%)

Protein

37.7g (75.34%)

Carbs

27.0g (9.82%)

Sugars

2.0g (4%)

Healthy Fat

14.2g

Unhealthy Fat

6.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

How to make Chtitha Djedj (Algerian Chicken with Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce)

Prepare the Spice Mixture (Dersa)

Sauté Aromatics

Brown the Chicken

Add Spice Mixture and Tomato Components

Simmer

Incorporate Chickpeas

Want to keep this recipe for later? We can email it to you!

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

443.7kcal (22.18%)

Protein

37.7g (75.34%)

Carbs

27.0g (9.82%)

Sugars

2.0g (4%)

Healthy Fat

14.2g

Unhealthy Fat

6.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

FAQS

Chtitha Djedj (Algerian Chicken with Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce)

Stuck mid-recipe?

Ingredients

Protein

Legumes

Vegetables & Herbs

Spices

Other

Want to keep this recipe for later? We can email it to you!

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

443.7kcal (22.18%)

Protein

37.7g (75.34%)

Carbs

27.0g (9.82%)

Sugars

2.0g (4%)

Healthy Fat

14.2g

Unhealthy Fat

6.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

How to make Chtitha Djedj (Algerian Chicken with Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce)

Prepare the Spice Mixture (Dersa)

Sauté Aromatics

Brown the Chicken

Add Spice Mixture and Tomato Components

Simmer

Incorporate Chickpeas

Want to keep this recipe for later? We can email it to you!

Nutrition (per serving)