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Lebanese Chicken Sfeeha with Fresh Herb Salad

A weeknight-friendly Lebanese dish featuring pressure-cooked chicken sfeeha12savory meat-filled pastries with a vibrant fresh herb salad, highlighting seasonal greens and bright lemon dressing. This concept offers a comforting yet quick protein rotation using poultry and incorporates stir-frying the herbs lightly for enhanced flavor.

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Lebanesemedium55 minServes 4
Lebanese Chicken Sfeeha with Fresh Herb Salad plated and ready to serve

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Servings

4

Originally developed for 4 servings.

Ingredient checklist

Method

0 of 11 steps complete
  1. 03:00
    Place olive oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. No timer needed
    Add chicken thighs, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken with spices.
  3. 15:00
    Pour in water, secure the lid of the pressure cooker, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  4. No timer needed
    Release pressure according to your cooker’s instructions, then shred the chicken using two forks. Set aside to cool slightly.
  5. 10:00
    Preheat oven to 200 C (400 F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  6. No timer needed
    Roll out the pastry sheets and cut into 10-12 circles about 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.
  7. No timer needed
    Spoon a tablespoon of shredded chicken filling onto the center of each pastry circle. Fold edges to form open-faced pies (sfeeha shape) and press edges gently.
  8. 15:00
    Place sfeeha on the baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until pastry is golden and cooked through.
  9. 02:00
    While sfeeha bake, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh herbs and arugula; stir-fry lightly for 1-2 minutes until herbs are fragrant and just wilted. Remove from heat.
  10. No timer needed
    In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make dressing. Toss the stir-fried herbs with the dressing.
  11. No timer needed
    Serve warm chicken sfeeha alongside the fresh herb salad with additional lemon wedges if desired.

Chef tips

  • For the best flavor, use fresh and fragrant herbs in the salad.
  • Carefully follow your pressure cooker instructions for safe use and pressure release.
  • If using frozen pastry, thaw completely before shaping.
  • You can prepare the chicken filling a day ahead and refrigerate to save time on cooking day.

Equipment check

  • pressure cooker
  • large skillet or frying pan
  • mixing bowl
  • rolling pin (if rolling pastry)
  • baking tray
  • parchment paper
  • knife and chopping board

Nutrition per serving

  • Calories450
  • Protein32 g
  • Carbs40 g
  • Fat16 g

Tags

DumplingLebanesePressure CookingPoultrySeasonal ProduceFresh Herbs

Behind the dish.

Overview

This Lebanese Chicken Sfeeha recipe combines tender, pressure-cooked spiced chicken wrapped in soft pastry with a vibrant fresh herb salad dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette. The sfeeha are quick to cook using a pressure cooker, making them perfect for a weeknight meal.

Why you9ll love it

  • Deliciously savory chicken filling with warm Lebanese spices.
  • Pressure cooking significantly reduces cooking time without compromising tenderness.
  • The fresh herb salad adds brightness and balances the rich sfeeha.
  • Stir-frying herbs lightly enhances their flavor and aroma.

Ingredient notes

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for moistness and flavor.

Pastry: You can use store-bought shortcrust or puff pastry sheets for convenience.

Herbs: Combine parsley, mint, cilantro, and arugula or other seasonal greens.

Spices: Common Lebanese spices like cumin, cinnamon, and allspice create an authentic flavor profile.

Serving & storage

Serve warm chicken sfeeha alongside the fresh herb salad and a wedge of lemon. Leftover sfeeha can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in an oven or air fryer. The herb salad is best enjoyed fresh.

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