Hanukkah Chicken Recipes for all 8 nights!

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.

2 hanukkiah with one lit in the foreground.

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.

Child lighting the "hannukiah" the traditional candelabra, on the sixth night. The candle holders are in the shape of train cars made from stained glass. — A "hannukiah", the traditional candelabra lit on Hannukah - here it is the 6th night.

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.

A soufganiyot (round jelly doughnut) on a white plate with powdered sugar. — This soufganiyot is filled with Gregory's jam - a recipe I developed in memory of my son.

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.

Baked chicken with apricot jam - one of my favorite Hanukkah chicken recipes

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

Photo Credit: pastrychefonline.com

A simple flavorful option for Hanukkah or any night of the week.

Persian Chicken Kabob (Kabob-eh Morgh)

Photo Credit: familyspice.com

Want to change it up - follow these wonderful directions for making Persian chicken kabobs.

Roasted Herb Chicken with Mandarin Orange

Photo Credit: www.fearlessdining.com

The citrus flavors always lighten up the whole meal!

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