Chicken Kabsa: A Taste of the Middle East

Posted on October 14, 2024

Chicken Kabsa is a traditional Middle Eastern rice dish, known for its rich, fragrant spices and tender, flavorful chicken. Often considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia, Kabsa is a feast of bold aromas and tastes, combining basmati rice with a delightful blend of spices, vegetables, and tender chicken pieces. This one-pot meal is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings and will bring a taste of the Middle East to your kitchen!

Main dish

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 large tomato, chopped

1/4 cup tomato paste

2 cups chicken broth

1 cinnamon stick

5-6 cardamom pods

5-6 whole cloves

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1 bay leaf

For the Rice:

1 1/2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes

1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Execution

1

Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2

Cook the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.

3

Add the Spices and Simmer
Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, cumin, coriander, black pepper, turmeric, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir for a minute until the spices release their aroma.
Add the chicken broth and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

4

Cook the Rice
Remove the chicken and set aside. Add the soaked rice to the pot with the broth and spices. Stir in the raisins (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed.

5

Assemble the Kabsa
Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Place the chicken back on top of the rice and cover for another 5 minutes to warm through. Top with slivered almonds or pine nuts as a garnish.

6

Serve
Serve the Chicken Kabsa on a large platter, with the chicken arranged over the fragrant rice. Enjoy this aromatic dish with a side of salad or yogurt sauce for extra freshness.

Additional tips

• Spice Level: If you like your Kabsa spicy, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chopped green chilies to the spice mix.
• Protein Variations: Substitute the chicken with lamb or beef for a richer version of Kabsa.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth, adding chickpeas or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
• Make Ahead: Kabsa flavors develop over time, so making it ahead allows the spices to infuse even more into the dish.

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