Djaj Mahshi (damascus-style Stuffed Chicken)

Djaj Mahshi is a traditional Syrian dish that features tender chicken stuffed with a flavorful rice and nut mixture. This dish is a staple in Damascus-style cuisine and is perfect for a special family dinner or gathering.

Djaj Mahshi (damascus-style Stuffed Chicken)

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup mixed nuts, chopped (such as almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and allspice.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped nuts, chopped onion, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Stuff the chicken cavity with the rice and nut mixture, then truss the chicken with kitchen twine to hold the stuffing inside.
  5. Place the stuffed chicken in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth around it.
  6. Cover the roasting pan with foil and roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the Djaj Mahshi with the rice stuffing and enjoy!

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Roasting pan Kitchen twine Foil

Tools

Knife Cutting board Large bowl

Serving suggestions

Serve Djaj Mahshi with a side of tabbouleh salad and warm pita bread.

Tips & tricks

For a crispy skin, you can brush the chicken with olive oil before roasting and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Cost

$15