Chicken Ben-Bari(3 To 4 Servings)
A flavorful chicken dish with olives, orange, and herbs, perfect for family dinners or entertaining, blending savory, citrus, and Mediterranean flavors for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large cut-up frying chicken ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green olives ⓘ
- 3 stalks sliced celery ⓘ
- 2 cloves mashed garlic ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp minced parsley ⓘ
- 2 diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp coriander ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 3 oranges ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp minced scallions ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chicken pieces in olive oil until browned on both sides.
- Add chopped green olives, sliced celery, mashed garlic, minced scallions, parsley, and diced tomatoes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and coriander.
- Stir well to evenly mix the vegetables with the chicken.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken and vegetables into an ovenproof baking dish.
- Mix together the white wine and orange juice.
- Pour the wine and orange juice mixture over the chicken.
- Peel the oranges and slice very thin, then place on top of the chicken.
- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute green olives with kalamata olives for a richer taste. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the white wine with additional orange juice or chicken broth. To add a hint of spice, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Ben-Bari with a side of fluffy couscous or a light Mediterranean salad to balance the flavors. For an added touch, pair it with *Egg-Lemon Soup, which complements the citrus notes beautifully. Fresh crusty bread is also a great option for soaking up the delicious sauce. Garnish with additional parsley for a vibrant finish.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the Chicken Ben-Bari to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Ben-Bari(3 To 4 Servings) contains roughly 1269 calories, with 24g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 113g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (168% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), and potassium (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2769mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs for a quicker cooking time. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Generally, chicken breasts take about 20-25 minutes in the oven when covered, depending on their thickness.
What can I serve with Chicken Ben-Bari?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a light green salad. For a Mediterranean twist, try serving it alongside roasted zucchini or a quinoa salad to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Chicken Ben-Bari up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).