This comforting Chicken Kapama is a traditional-style braised chicken dish simmered gently in a rich tomato sauce infused with warm cinnamon. Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a deeply aromatic, hearty meal that fills the kitchen with cozy, nostalgic flavors and delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is pure comfort food with a unique flavor profile that balances savory tomatoes and onions with the gentle warmth of cinnamon. It is made in one pot, perfect for family meals, and tastes even better the next day. The sauce is rich yet simple, and the recipe is flexible enough to pair with pasta, rice, or vegetables, making it a reliable favorite for both special gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 whole chicken, about 1.8 kg / 4 lb, cut into 8 pieces, skin on and bone in
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 250 g / 9 oz)
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups whole peeled stewed tomatoes, crushed (720 g / 25 oz)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus 1/4 teaspoon for seasoning the chicken
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For serving (optional):
fresh parsley, finely chopped
lemon wedges
cooked pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles
grated Kasseri-style cheese or Romano-style cheese

Directions

Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them completely dry. Season all sides with salt, black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden. Remove the browned chicken and set aside.

Carefully discard excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon sticks, and remaining 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Return the chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the sauce so they are mostly submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the lid and continue to simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water.

Cook until the chicken is very tender and nearly falling off the bone. Remove cinnamon sticks before serving. Garnish as desired and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 to 6 people
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

You can use only olive oil instead of butter for a lighter flavor. Add a pinch of ground allspice or a single clove for extra warmth. For a thicker sauce, shred some of the cooked chicken and stir it back into the pot. This dish also works well with chicken thighs only, keeping the same total weight.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What does Kapama mean in cooking?

Kapama refers to a slow-cooked, covered dish where meat is gently braised until tender and flavorful.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in chicken provides better flavor and a richer sauce. If using boneless pieces, reduce the cooking time slightly.

Is cinnamon supposed to be noticeable?

The cinnamon should be warm and aromatic, not overpowering. It enhances the tomato sauce rather than dominating it.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

What can I serve with Chicken Kapama?

It pairs well with pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or simple vegetables.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply replace the butter with additional olive oil.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is ready when it is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes, after browning and assembling, cover and bake at 170°C / 340°F for about 90 minutes.

Is this dish spicy?

No, it is warmly spiced but not hot or spicy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as your pot is large enough to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Chicken Kapama is a timeless, comforting dish that showcases how simple ingredients can create deep, memorable flavors. With its tender chicken, fragrant cinnamon, and rich tomato sauce, it is a recipe worth returning to again and again, whether for family dinners or special occasions.

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