Flavorful Chicken Kabsa Recipe: A Simple Middle Eastern Feast

Chicken kabsa whispers tales of Arabian culinary traditions, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of flavors that dance across your palate.

Aromatic spices mingle with tender meat, reimagineing an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Saudi cuisine shines through this remarkable dish, blending generations of cooking wisdom into a single harmonious creation.

Complex yet approachable, kabsa represents more than just food—it’s a cultural celebration on your plate.

Layers of carefully balanced seasonings tell stories of desert winds and ancient trade routes.

The ingredients seamlessly intermingle, creating a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and exotic.

Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure that promises comfort and excitement.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Kabsa

• Cardamom Ground, White Pepper, Saffron, Cinnamon, All Spice, Lime Powder: Classic kabsa spice mix creating deep aromatic flavor profile.
• Bay Leaves, Cloves, Cardamom Pods, Cinnamon Stick: Whole spices adding complex layered fragrance and depth.
• Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Cumin Seeds Ground, Coriander Powder: Warming spices enhancing overall taste complexity.
• Salt: Essential seasoning balancing all flavor elements.

• Chicken Pieces: Main protein providing hearty main course texture and substance.
• Onions, Ginger, Garlic, Green Chili: Aromatic base creating foundational flavor profile.
• Carrots, Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables adding nutrition and natural sweetness.
• Tomato Puree: Rich base providing depth and moisture to the dish.

• Basmati Rice: Traditional long-grain rice absorbing spices perfectly with light fluffy texture.
• Raisins: Sweet element adding subtle fruity contrast to savory dish.
• Slivered Almonds: Optional garnish providing delicate crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral medium for sautéing and developing initial flavor base.

How to Prepare Chicken Kabsa

Step 1: Prepare Kabsa Spice Mix

• Ground cardamom
• White pepper
• Saffron
• Cinnamon
• Allspice
• Lime powder

Set the spice mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Sliced onions
• Minced ginger
• Minced garlic
• Green chili

Sauté until onions turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor with Whole Spices

• Dried bay leaves
• Cloves
• Cardamom pods
• Cinnamon stick

Fry for 1 minute to release their aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Build Spice Layer

• Tomato puree
• Nutmeg
• Black pepper
• Ground cumin seeds
• Coriander powder
• Prepared kabsa spice mix

Season with salt and fry for another minute.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

• Thinly sliced carrots
• Diced tomatoes

Stir and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 6: Cook Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the pan. Brown evenly on all sides for about 30 minutes. Remove and set aside temporarily.

Step 7: Cook Rice

Rinse basmati rice thoroughly. Add rice and raisins to the spice-filled pot. Pour of water and season lightly with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 8: Grill Chicken

Preheat the grill. Grill the chicken pieces for 10-15 additional minutes until fully cooked.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

• Slivered almonds
• Extra raisins

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Kabsa!

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Kabsa

• Bloom Spices Boldly: Toast ground spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds to unleash their deepest, most intense flavors before mixing into your kabsa blend.
• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Wash basmati rice multiple times until water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains after cooking.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Build depth by sautéing aromatics like onions, ginger, and garlic slowly, allowing each ingredient to caramelize and develop rich undertones.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Use precise water measurements when cooking rice to prevent soggy or dry results, maintaining perfect texture and consistency.
• Grill Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken pieces dry before grilling to achieve beautiful golden-brown exterior and lock in moisture, creating a crispy yet tender protein centerpiece.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Kabsa

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Kabsa in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate rice and chicken to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Freezing: Wrap individual servings tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty plastic bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated Kabsa in microwave using medium power, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, revive dish in oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes. Add small splash of water to prevent drying out rice and restore moisture to chicken.

Ideal Pairings for Chicken Kabsa

• Sip Aromatic Cardamom Tea: Complement the warm, spicy notes of Chicken Kabsa with a fragrant cardamom tea that echoes the dish's complex spice profile and cleanses the palate.
• Pair with Crisp Cucumber Raita: Balance the rich, bold flavors of the kabsa with a cool, tangy cucumber raita that provides a refreshing contrast and helps moderate the dish's warmth.
• Serve with Zesty Arabic Salad: Introduce a light, fresh Arabic salad with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley dressed in lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the hearty chicken and rice, adding brightness to the meal.
• Enjoy with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp, slightly acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that can stand up to the kabsa's robust spices while offering a clean, smooth drinking experience.

Flavor Twists for Chicken Kabsa

• Lamb Kabsa Fusion: Replace chicken with tender lamb pieces, enhancing the dish's rich, robust flavor profile while maintaining the traditional spice blend.
• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, creating a hearty plant-based version that keeps the authentic kabsa seasoning intact.
• Seafood Kabsa Medley: Incorporate mixed seafood like shrimp, calamari, and white fish instead of chicken, introducing a coastal twist to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Moroccan-Inspired Kabsa: Amp up heat levels by adding harissa paste and extra chili flakes, transforming the original recipe with a bold North African kick.

Easy Chicken Kabsa with Bold Flavors

• Savor Explosive Spice Blend: The kabsa spice mix combines cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds with every single bite.
• Master an Aromatic Cooking Journey: The step-by-step method transforms simple ingredients into a rich, layered dish by carefully building depth through sautéing onions, toasting whole spices, and grilling chicken to perfection.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Meal: Packed with substantial protein (40g), balanced carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, this recipe delivers a complete meal that satisfies hunger while providing excellent nutritional value for active individuals and families.
• Elevate Home Cooking Experience: With restaurant-quality results achievable in your own kitchen, this kabsa recipe offers an authentic Middle Eastern culinary adventure that impresses guests and makes weeknight dinners feel extraordinary.

Chicken Kabsa Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Saudi Arabia’s beloved Chicken Kabsa combines fragrant rice, tender chicken, and a medley of aromatic spices. Layered with cultural richness, this hearty dish offers you a delicious journey through Middle Eastern culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg whole chicken, cut into 6 pieces
• 3 cups basmati rice, rinsed
• 3 onions, sliced
• 200 grams (7 ounces) canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons oil or butter

Spices:

• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ¼ teaspoon saffron
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon dried whole lime powder
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander

Aromatics and Garnishes:

• 2 dried bay leaves
• 6 cloves
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 green chili
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup slivered almonds (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Water (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Craft a fragrant kabsa spice blend by thoroughly mixing ground cardamom, white pepper, saffron, cinnamon, allspice, and lime powder in a ceramic mixing bowl. Reserve this aromatic mixture for layering flavors later.
2. Warm of vegetable oil in a substantial cast-iron pan over medium-high temperature. Introduce finely sliced onions, freshly minced ginger, crushed garlic, and chopped green chili peppers. Caramelize the ingredients until onions transform into a rich golden-brown color, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Gently incorporate whole dried bay leaves, fragrant cloves, crushed cardamom pods, and a whole cinnamon stick. Toast these aromatics for precisely one minute to unleash their deep, complex flavors.
4. Pour in robust tomato puree, then sprinkle ground nutmeg, freshly cracked black pepper, finely ground cumin seeds, and vibrant coriander powder. Integrate the previously prepared kabsa spice mixture, seasoning with kosher salt. Sauté the combination for an additional minute.
5. Add thinly julienned carrots and roughly diced fresh tomatoes into the pan. Stir thoroughly and allow vegetables to soften slightly, cooking for approximately 2 minutes.
6. Carefully introduce chicken pieces, ensuring each segment browns uniformly across all surfaces. Cook for roughly 30 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve consistent caramelization. Remove chicken temporarily and set aside on a clean platter.
7. Meticulously rinse basmati rice under cool running water until liquid runs clear. Return rice to the spice-infused pan, sprinkling sweet raisins throughout. Pour of water, seasoning lightly with additional salt. Bring mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat, covering tightly and simmering for 10-15 minutes until rice achieves perfect tenderness.
8. While rice simmers, preheat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Return reserved chicken pieces, grilling for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure complete cooking and develop a beautiful external char.
9. Artfully plate warm, aromatic rice as a foundation, strategically positioning grilled chicken alongside. Elegantly garnish with delicate slivered almonds and a sprinkle of additional raisins, creating a visually stunning and flavorful presentation.

Notes

• Kabsa spices create a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into a Middle Eastern culinary masterpiece.
• Toasting whole spices releases their essential oils, intensifying the aromatic profile of this traditional Saudi Arabian dish.
• Rinsing rice removes excess starch, ensuring each grain remains fluffy and perfectly separated during cooking.
• Grilling chicken separately adds a smoky char that complements the rich, complex spice blend in the rice.
• Raisins and almonds provide unexpected bursts of sweetness and crunch, elevating the dish’s textural complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Saudi Arabian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg