Hanukkah Chicken Recipes are a perfect complement to the symbolic fried foods like latkes that we love to eat for Hannukah. This post includes lots of information about the holiday and links to many great recipes including Apricot Jam Chicken.
What is Hanukkah? Chanukah? Hannukah? Channukah?
Hanukkah is the eight-night Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorating the rededication of the temple in 165 B.C. It is a celebration of the oil that miraculously lasted eight days (hence the length of the holiday) when they thought it would only last one.
The exact dates of Hannukah change because it is based on the Lunar calendar. Sometimes it overlaps Christmas and sometimes it starts a couple days after Thanksgiving. And as for the myriad spellings – it is a phonetic translation of a Hebrew word leaving it open for interpretation.
What are traditional Hanukkah foods?
Since Chanukah celebrates the oil that lasted longer than expected, the traditional foods are fried. Potato latkes and soufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are very popular. In our house, a little rolled pastry called a rugelach is our favorite, though it is not fried.
Often people play a game called dreidel and use gold-wrapped edible chocolate coins as the game tokens. And when the game is over, the money is eaten.
What to eat with the fried foods?
It’s very possible to make a satisfying meal out of latkes with lots of sour cream and applesauce with a big salad and some vegetables. But very often, at least in the Ashkenazi Jewish tradition (from Eastern Europe), a brisket or chicken dish is a must.
Brisket can be made ahead of time as can a good baked chicken dish. And if you are serving a large crowd or just want lots of leftovers, how about one of each? Below you’ll find links to eight of my favorite Hanukkah chicken recipes – one for each night of the holiday!
Eight Hanukkah Chicken Recipes
Lots of ideas of main courses to serve with your latkes including my favorite Apricot Jam Chicken
Apricot Jam Chicken
My family favorite for Hanukkah or any night of the week!
Roasted Chicken with Clementines, Onion, Fennel, and Vermouth
Wonderful flavors with lots of vegetables to complement your meal.
Harissa Chicken with Preserved Lemons
A full meal on a sheet pan. Skip the potatoes if you are serving latkes.
How to Roast a Whole Chicken
If you have a whole chicken to cook, no fear. I taught my son to do it by text!
Ottolenghi's Chicken with Jerusalem Artichoke and Lemon
Another one pan wonder! Give it a try.
Chicken with Mushrooms and Thyme | An Easy Weeknight Recipe
A simple flavorful option for Hanukkah or any night of the week.
Persian Chicken Kabob (Kabob-eh Morgh)
Want to change it up - follow these wonderful directions for making Persian chicken kabobs.
Roasted Herb Chicken with Mandarin Orange
The citrus flavors always lighten up the whole meal!
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Sandi
I love this roundup Beth. Everything looks so tasty! I plan to make the apricot jam chicken first!
Beth Lee
Thanks Sandi – if it makes your menu plan, then I know I’m doing something right!
Dahn
That chicken with apricot jam sounds fabulous. I make something similar with orange marmalade, I will have to try this. Welcome to MVP!
Beth Lee
Thanks for the warm welcome to MVP! Oh orange marmalade would be wonderful.
Rita Held
Nice and simple. I love lemon anything, so I’ll probably have to make this
Beth Lee
It’s so easy but a mouthful of flavor!
Laura
This dish looks incredible! A great meal for any night of the week, especially Hanukkah! Happy holidays, my friend!
Beth Lee
Thanks Laura! It really is a year round chicken dinner but I enjoy the lemony fruity counterpoint to the rich latkes!
Richard Bernhardt
I don’t know how Chanukah came to be on the first of December this year, but it took me by surprise, but no matter. Enjoy the lights, enjoy the latkes, enjoy the dredels, enjoy most of all the smiles from the kids and family. Happy Chanukah! – Richard
Kristen
Happy Hannukah to you! Love your train and that chicken dish.
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Oh wow, this looks DELIGHTFUL!
I’m so gonna try this recipe soon. Thanks for sharing!
Cindy
Hi Beth. How about that great Lipton onion soup recipe that we used to love. Wasn’t that something your mom made you or do I have faulty memory. The apricot/pineapple preserves made me think of it.
omgyummy
You’re right Cindy – I think it was apricot jam mixed with onion soup. It was yummy wasn’t it? I had forgotten about that favorite. Wonder if we would think it is still so good now that our palates have matured. Probably – because it would taste like comfort food.