Chicken With Sweet Onion Sauce(Kammama)

Cuisine: Moroccan

A flavorful Moroccan-inspired chicken dish with sweet onion sauce, fragrant spices, caramelized onions, and a rich, syrupy sauce perfect for special occasions or comforting meals.

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Ingredients

  • 2 chickens (3 lb. each)
  • 4 kg onions
  • 1 kg tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 heaped tsp. pepper
  • 1 coffeespoonful saffron
  • 250 g butter
  • 4 to 5 rounded soupspoonfuls sugar
  • 1 rounded soupspoonful cinnamon
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • salt

Instructions

  1. Cut the chickens into pieces.
  2. Put the chicken pieces and offal in a thick-bottomed saucepan.
  3. Add salt, saffron, pepper, the stick of cinnamon, one sliced onion, and a glassful of water.
  4. Bring to a boil over moderate heat and stir the spices well.
  5. Add the sliced onions (1 cm thick rings) and peeled, seeded, and halved tomatoes.
  6. After a few minutes of boiling, remove the chicken pieces and place them in an ovenproof dish.
  7. Immediately add the sugar and cinnamon to the sauce.
  8. Mix well and place the onions and tomatoes on top of the chicken with the sauce poured over.
  9. Bake in the oven, basting often.
  10. Once cooked, pour the sauce into a saucepan and boil it down until thick and syrupy.
  11. When the chickens are cooked and the onions are golden and caramelized, remove from the oven.
  12. Arrange the chicken on a dish with the caramelized onions on top and pour the sauce over.
  13. Serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in the spices and butter overnight. If saffron is unavailable, turmeric can be a decent substitute for color, though it lacks the same depth. You can also use sweet onions for a milder taste. For an alternative, try serving this dish inspired by Chicken A La Jacqueline for a different twist on flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the sweet onion sauce. Freshly baked bread can also complement the meal well. For a side, consider a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the chicken. For more ideas, browse more chicken recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For best results, avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken With Sweet Onion Sauce(Kammama) contains roughly 1564 calories, with 42g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (701% of the Daily Value), iron (177% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1395mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).

1564 kcal 78% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 42.4g 85% DV
Total Fat 66.1g 85% DV
Carbs 238.4g 87% DV
Fiber 29.7g 100% DV
Sugar 22.9g 46% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1394.7mg 61% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 86mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 191.5mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 631mg 100% DV
Calcium 430.1mg 33% DV
Iron 31.9mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk

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 different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use a mix of chicken parts, such as thighs and drumsticks, for a more flavorful dish. Just ensure even cooking by adjusting cooking times based on the parts you choose.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance, refrigerate, and then bake it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I do if the sauce is too thin?

If your sauce is too thin after boiling, continue to simmer it until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce to help thicken it.

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).

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