
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsChicken B'stilla is a legendary Moroccan dish that beautifully balances sweet and savory flavors in a delicate, crispy phyllo pastry. This ceremonial dish, often served at weddings and special celebrations, features tender shredded chicken cooked with warm spices like ginger, turmeric, and saffron threads, combined with eggs to create a rich filling. Layers of buttery phyllo encase toasted almonds sweetened with orange blossom water and cinnamon. The finished pie is dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon in decorative patterns, creating an unforgettable centerpiece. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures from the crispy pastry to the succulent filling, with flavors that dance between sweet, savory, and aromatic. This authentic recipe brings the essence of Moroccan culinary tradition to your table.
Instructions
step by stepIn a large stockpot, combine chicken thighs with chopped onions, minced garlic, fresh ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and saffron threads. Add 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 40 minutes until chicken is very tender.
Remove chicken from pot and set aside to cool. Continue simmering the broth uncovered until reduced to about 1 cup, approximately 20 minutes. Shred the cooled chicken, discarding bones and skin.
In a separate skillet, toast almonds over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Chop roughly and mix with 1/4 cup honey, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and orange blossom water. Set aside.
Beat eggs and pour into the reduced broth. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until eggs are scrambled and mixture is thick. Combine with shredded chicken, parsley, and cilantro. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush a round baking dish or pie dish with melted butter. Layer 6-8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with butter and letting edges hang over the sides.
Spread half the chicken mixture over the phyllo base. Layer the almond mixture on top, then add remaining chicken mixture.
Fold overhanging phyllo over the filling, brushing with butter. Top with 4-6 more sheets of phyllo, tucking edges under to seal. Brush top generously with butter.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let rest 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and create decorative cinnamon lines using a stencil or freehand design. Serve warm.
Chicken B'stilla with Saffron and Almonds
A magnificent sweet and savory phyllo pie filled with spiced chicken, aromatic saffron, toasted almonds, and delicate orange blossom water, topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Ingredients
Main Filling
- 1200 grams chicken-thigh, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 pieces onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ginger, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoons turmeric, ground
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
- 6 pieces eggs, beaten
- 4 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Pastry
- 12 tablespoons butter, melted
Almond Layer
- 4 tablespoons honey
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoons black-pepper, ground