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Chicken Kabsa | Arabian Chicken and Rice

Savor the Flavor: Chicken Kabsa | Arabian Chicken and Rice

Experience a flavor explosion with Chicken Kabsa, a delicious Arabian chicken and rice dish, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Kabsa Spice Mix
  • 2 Dried Bay Leaves
  • 6 whole Cloves
  • 4 whole Cardamom Pods
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Coriander
Chicken and Rice
  • 1.5 kg Whole Chicken, cut into 6 pieces Using thighs for juiciness is recommended.
  • 3 cups Basmati Rice, rinsed Best for fluffiness.
  • 3 medium Carrots, thinly sliced
  • 200 g Canned Diced Tomatoes Alternatively, use 3 chopped fresh tomatoes.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Purée Can substitute with homemade crushed tomatoes.
  • ¼ cup Raisins
  • 4 cups Water
  • Salt To taste.
Aromatics
  • 2 tablespoons Oil or Butter Use olive oil for a lighter option.
  • 3 Onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Minced Ginger
  • 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic Garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 Green Chili Adjust based on spice preference.
Optional Garnish
  • Slivered Almonds
  • Additional Raisins

Equipment

  • heavy-bottomed pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Kabsa Spice Mix by combining cardamom, white pepper, saffron, cinnamon, allspice, and lime powder in a bowl.
  2. Sauté aromatics in a large pan with oil until onions are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add whole spices (dried bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick) and fry for 1 minute.
  4. Incorporate tomato purée along with ground nutmeg, black pepper, cumin, and coriander; season with salt.
  5. Cook vegetables by adding sliced carrots and canned diced tomatoes, stirring well for 2 minutes.
  6. Brown the chicken pieces in the pan for approximately 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
  7. Cook rice by removing chicken, adding rinsed basmati rice and raisins, then pouring in water and seasoning with salt. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  8. Grill the chicken pieces for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through.
  9. Serve by fluffing the rice, plating chicken on top, and garnishing with slivered almonds and additional raisins.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider adjusting spice levels according to your taste. Make ahead for an enhanced flavor profile.

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