This Lebanese Chicken Fatteh recipe combines tender shredded chicken, chickpeas, and crispy pita with a rich, creamy yogurt sauce. It’s a traditional Middle Eastern dish that’s both hearty and flavorful, perfect for any occasion. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts enhances the taste, while the toasted pita adds a satisfying crunch. Easy to prepare, this chicken fatteh is a wholesome, comforting meal that can be served as a main or side dish. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or gathering with friends, this recipe brings authentic Lebanese flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

3 cups shredded chicken
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
¼ cup pine nuts
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 large Arabic-style pita bread, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Black pepper, to taste
32 ounces plain whole-milk yogurt

Instructions

Place the shredded chicken in an 8×11-inch serving dish. Top with the chickpeas.
In a large non-stick deep skillet, dry toast the pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside in a small bowl.
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the pita bread. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toast the pita, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside in a medium bowl.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and salt and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Pour the yogurt into the skillet with the garlic and stir gently until the yogurt warms up and loosens, being careful not to boil it, about 5 minutes.
Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken and chickpeas. Stir to combine evenly.
Top with the toasted pita, followed by the toasted pine nuts, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lebanese Chicken Fatteh is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the rich taste of yogurt, the heartiness of chickpeas, and the crunch of toasted pita. This traditional Lebanese recipe is perfect for any occasion and can easily be made in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of ingredients offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors that will impress your family or guests.

Tips

To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken.
Be careful not to overcook the yogurt when warming it, as it can curdle.
You can add a bit of tahini or lemon juice to the yogurt mixture for extra flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use more chickpeas or a variety of roasted vegetables for a plant-based version.
Nuts: If you don’t have pine nuts, you can substitute with almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.
Yogurt: Greek yogurt can be substituted for whole-milk yogurt for a thicker consistency.

FAQs

Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prepare the individual components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and serve the dish immediately to maintain the crispiness of the pita.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the yogurt and chicken mixture. However, the toasted pita will lose its crunch after freezing.

Serving

Lebanese Chicken Fatteh can be served as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of pickled vegetables.

Suggestions

To make it even more indulgent, drizzle some extra olive oil over the top or add a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning before serving. For a spicier version, add a few dashes of chili flakes or hot sauce to the yogurt mixture.