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Chicken Kabsa Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 54 reviews

Chicken Kabsa is the beloved national dish of Saudi Arabia, featuring succulent chicken leg quarters cooked in a fragrant blend of spices, tomato, and garlic, served atop flavorful basmati rice. This comforting one-pot meal combines warm, aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves with tender chicken and fluffy rice, traditionally enjoyed communally. Garnished with raisins, sautéed carrots, fried onions, toasted almonds, and fresh parsley, it’s a vibrant and hearty feast perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Spice Base

  • 1/4 cup ghee
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 3 to 4 chicken leg quarters

Whole Spices

  • 4 bay leaves
  • 6 cardamom pods
  • 6 cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 dry lime (loomi)
  • 1 green chili, optional

Kabsa Spice Mix

  • 2 teaspoons coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder or paprika
  • 2 teaspoons 7 spice blend

Rice

  • 3 cups basmati rice, rinsed well and soaked
  • 4.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Optional Garnishes

  • Raisins
  • Sautéed carrots
  • Fried onions
  • Slivered toasted almonds
  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger paste, tomato paste, and diced yellow onion. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mixture is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Whole Spices and Toast: Incorporate the whole spices (bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, dry lime, and optional green chili) along with 3/4 of the ground kabsa spice mix. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the spices release their aroma.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken leg quarters skin side down to the pot. Sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning as needed to brown evenly.
  4. Cook Chicken with Tomatoes: Pour in the pureed tomatoes and mix thoroughly with the spice mixture. Cover and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is mostly cooked through. The chicken can continue cooking in the oven afterwards.
  5. Roast Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the pot and transfer to a baking tray. Sprinkle the remaining kabsa spice mix over the chicken and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy and golden.
  6. Toast Rice: While the chicken roasts, add the soaked and rinsed basmati rice to the pot with the tomato and spice mixture. Toast the rice for a few minutes until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant.
  7. Cook Rice: Pour in the chicken broth, add salt, and stir well. Cover the pot and cook the rice over low heat for about 20 minutes until tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and keep covered to steam for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
  8. Assemble and Garnish: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and spread on a serving platter. Arrange the roasted chicken pieces on top. Garnish with optional toppings such as raisins, sautéed carrots, fried onions, slivered toasted almonds, and chopped parsley.
  9. Serve: Serve the Chicken Kabsa hot and enjoy this comforting and aromatic Saudi Arabian feast with family or friends.

Notes

  • Soaking basmati rice before cooking helps achieve a fluffy texture.
  • Adjust the green chili quantity based on your spice preference.
  • Dry lime (loomi) adds a unique tangy flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Ghee can be substituted with clarified butter or vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.
  • Chicken thighs or bone-in breasts can be used instead of leg quarters.
  • Resting the rice covered off heat allows it to steam, enhancing texture.
  • Optional garnishes add contrasting sweetness, crunch, and freshness for balance.

Keywords: Chicken Kabsa, Saudi Arabian rice dish, Middle Eastern chicken recipe, spiced rice with chicken, traditional Kabsa, aromatic chicken and rice

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/chicken-kabsa-recipe/