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sadr dajaj
Chicken breast
صدر دجاج (sadr dajaj) refers to chicken breast, the front chest meat of a chicken. This is one of the most popular and commonly consumed poultry cuts in Arabic-speaking countries, valued for its lean protein content and versatility in cooking. It appears frequently in Middle Eastern, North African, and Levantine cuisines.
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اشتريت صدر دجاج طازج من السوق لتحضير الغداء.
Ishtarayt sadr dajaj taza min al-suq li-tahzir al-ghada.
I bought fresh chicken breast from the market to prepare lunch.
صدر الدجاج المشوي لذيذ جداً ويحتوي على بروتين عالي.
Sadr al-dajaj al-mushawi lathith jiddan wa-yahtawi ala brutin ali.
Grilled chicken breast is delicious and contains high protein.
تقطع صدر الدجاج إلى قطع صغيرة قبل الطهي.
Taqta sadr al-dajaj ila qita saghira qabl al-tahi.
Cut the chicken breast into small pieces before cooking.
يفضل الكثيرون صدر الدجاج لأنه قليل الدهون.
Yafaddal al-kethirun sadr al-dajaj li-annahu qalil al-duhun.
Many people prefer chicken breast because it is low in fat.
طهت أمي صدر دجاج بالزعتر والليمون.
Tahat ummi sadr dajaj bi-al-zaatar wa-al-limun.
My mother cooked chicken breast with thyme and lemon.
Chicken breast is a staple protein in Arab cuisine and is featured prominently in dishes across the region, from shawarma to kebab to simple grilled preparations. Its popularity stems from both its affordability and nutritional value, making it a dietary staple in households throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The cut is particularly valued in health-conscious cooking due to its lean protein content compared to darker cuts of chicken.
When ordering or shopping in Arab markets, use the phrase 'صدر دجاج' (sadr dajaj) to specifically request chicken breast rather than other cuts. Remember that this is a countable noun in Arabic, so you may hear it with numbers or quantities (e.g., 'صدران' for two breasts). In cooking contexts, Arabs often refer to preparing it by cooking method: 'صدر دجاج مشوي' (grilled chicken breast) or 'صدر دجاج مقلي' (fried chicken breast).
The Arabic term صدر دجاج (sadr dajaj) literally translates to "chicken breast" and refers to one of the most popular cuts of poultry meat consumed throughout the Arab world. The word breaks down into two components: "صدر" (sadr) meaning "chest" or "breast," and "دجاج" (dajaj) meaning "chicken." This simple yet descriptive terminology is used consistently across all Arabic-speaking regions.
The transliteration is pronounced "SADR DAH-jahj" with emphasis on the first syllable of each word. In written Arabic, it appears as صدر دجاج, with صدر being the definite form of the noun. When used with the definite article, it becomes "صدر الدجاج" (sadr al-dajaj), meaning "the chicken breast."
Chicken breast is a dietary staple across the Arab world, appearing in countless traditional and modern dishes. It is commonly prepared through various cooking methods including grilling (مشوي - mushawi), frying (مقلي - muqli), roasting (مشوي في الفرن - mushawi fi al-furn), and cooking in stews (في اليخنة - fi al-yakhna). In markets and butcher shops, customers frequently request صدر دجاج by name, often specifying whether they prefer the skin on or off (منزوع الجلد - munzua al-jild for skinless).
Arab cuisine has embraced chicken breast for both its nutritional benefits and culinary versatility. It is recognized as a lean source of high-quality protein, containing minimal fat compared to other poultry cuts. Health-conscious Arab cooks often prefer this cut when preparing meals for families. The meat's mild flavor makes it ideal for absorbing spices and marinades commonly used in Arab cooking, such as zaatar (زعتر), sumac (سماق), garlic, lemon, and traditional spice blends.
When discussing chicken cuts in Arabic, you will encounter:
When shopping at Arab markets or butcher shops, clearly specify صدر دجاج to avoid receiving other cuts. You may also indicate quantity using phrases like "صدران" (two breasts) or "نصف كيلو صدر دجاج" (half a kilo of chicken breast). In recipes and cooking contexts, the phrase is often combined with preparation methods, such as صدر دجاج محشو (stuffed chicken breast) or صدر دجاج مع الرز (chicken breast with rice).
Beyond basic nutrition, chicken breast holds cultural significance in Arab food traditions. It features in both everyday family meals and special occasion dishes. The meat's affordability combined with its health benefits has made it accessible to people across different socioeconomic backgrounds, contributing to its ubiquity in Arab cuisine. Whether prepared simply with lemon and olive oil or as part of complex spice-infused dishes, صدر دجاج represents the practical and flavorful approach to cooking that defines much of Arab culinary tradition.