Albaik Fried Chicken

Albaik Fried Chicken is one of Saudi Arabia’s most famous and beloved fast-food dishes. Known for its crispy, flavorful coating and juicy, tender meat, Albaik has become a household name in the Kingdom and beyond.

The story of Albaik dates back to 1974 in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was founded by Shakour Abu Ghazalah, who wanted to bring high-quality fried chicken to the people of Saudi Arabia.

Inspired by global fried chicken chains but determined to create a unique taste, he developed a secret blend of spices and a pressure-frying technique that gave Albaik its signature crispy texture and rich flavor.

Unlike traditional fried chicken, Albaik’s version stands out due to its special spice mix and garlic-infused marinade, which makes the chicken incredibly flavorful from the inside out. Over the years, Albaik has expanded across Saudi Arabia and even to other countries, but the exact spice mix remains a closely guarded secret.

If you’ve ever had Albaik, you know how addictive it is! The good news? You can recreate a similar version at home. Let’s dive into a delicious homemade Albaik-style Fried Chicken recipe.

Homemade Albaik-Style Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

1 kg chicken (cut into pieces, bone-in)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup yogurt
1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Coating:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon baking powder

For Frying:

4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) for maximum flavor.

Prepare the Coating:In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder.

Coat the Chicken:Take the marinated chicken and coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Shake off any excess and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the coating to set.

Heat the Oil:In a deep pan, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Chicken:Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil.
Fry for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove and place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.

Serve & Enjoy!Serve hot with garlic sauce, fries, and soft bread—just like they do in Albaik!

Final Thoughts

Albaik Fried Chicken is more than just a fast-food dish—it’s a part of Saudi Arabia’s food culture, enjoyed by millions. While the real Albaik recipe remains a secret, this homemade version comes close to capturing its irresistible flavor and crunch.

Would you try making Albaik-style chicken at home? Let us know in the comments! 🍗🔥

If you want to see how this recipe is done, just check our YouTube channel and this dish video is Easy Albaik Fried Chicken Recipe