Zesty Chicken Kabsa Recipe: A Royal Middle Eastern Delight

Aromatic spices dance through this authentic saudi arabian chicken kabsa recipe, weaving a culinary tale of tradition and flavor.

Layers of fragrant rice intermingle with tender chicken, creating a symphony of Middle Eastern comfort.

Every bite tells a story of generations-old cooking techniques passed down through warm kitchens.

The kabsa rich blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves transports you directly to the bustling streets of riyadh.

Carefully toasted nuts and vibrant herbs add depth and complexity to this beloved dish.

Families gather around steaming platters, sharing stories and savoring each carefully seasoned morsel.

This recipe promises to transform your dinner into an unforgettable Arabian feast that celebrates simplicity and bold taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Kabsa Ingredient Checklist

• Whole Chicken: Select a plump, fresh bird with firm meat for robust flavor and tender texture.
• Chicken Pieces: Cutting into segments ensures even cooking and helps absorb spice blend perfectly.

• Ground Cardamom, White Pepper, Saffron, Cinnamon, Allspice, Dried Whole Lime Powder, Nutmeg, Cumin, Black Pepper, Coriander: This complex Saudi Arabian spice mix creates deep, layered warmth with subtle earthy undertones that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Bay Leaves, Cloves, Cardamom Pods, Cinnamon Stick: Whole spices infuse subtle, intense fragrance and contribute nuanced depth to the dish.

• Basmati Rice: Choose long-grain, aged rice for fluffy, separated grains that beautifully absorb the rich chicken broth.
• Onions: Caramelize slowly to develop sweet, golden base for the kabsa.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Provide tangy acidity and rich umami foundation.
• Ginger, Garlic: Fresh or paste versions add vibrant, zingy kick.
• Green Chili: Introduces gentle heat and brightness.
• Oil or Butter: Creates silky cooking medium and enhances overall richness.
• Raisins, Slivered Almonds: Offer delightful textural contrast and subtle sweetness for garnishing.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all flavor profiles.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Chicken Kabsa

• Large heavy-bottomed pan: Crucial for evenly cooking spices and ingredients without burning.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping onions, ginger, garlic, and chicken with ease.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice vegetables and prepare chicken pieces precisely.
• Measuring bowls: Perfect for mixing kabsa spice blend and organizing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Grill or grilling pan: Required for achieving that perfect charred chicken finish.
• Colander: Helpful for thoroughly rinsing basmati rice before cooking.
• Small spice grinder (optional): Useful for grinding whole spices like cumin seeds if needed.

Instructions for Cooking Traditional Chicken Kabsa

• Spice Blend Preparation

Create a fragrant mix of traditional Middle Eastern spices that will transform your chicken kabsa into an aromatic masterpiece. Carefully combine ground cardamom, white pepper, saffron, cinnamon, and other warming spices in a small bowl.

• Flavor Foundation

Heat oil in a large pan and sauté onions with fresh ginger, garlic, and green chili. These ingredients will develop a rich base that infuses deep, complex flavors into the entire dish.

• Aromatic Awakening

Introduce whole spices like bay leaves, cloves, and cardamom pods to the pan. Let these ingredients dance and release their intense fragrance, creating a sensory experience that elevates the entire dish.

• Tomato and Spice Harmony

Blend tomato puree with ground spices, creating a vibrant sauce that coats the chicken with layers of traditional Saudi Arabian flavor profiles. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop depth.

• Rice and Chicken Fusion

Layer basmati rice and chicken pieces into the pan, allowing them to absorb the intricate spice blend. Gently cook until the rice becomes tender and the chicken achieves a perfect golden hue.

• Final Presentation

Plate the kabsa with grilled chicken nestled atop the aromatic rice. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and raisins for a delightful textural contrast that celebrates the dish’s rich culinary heritage.

Expert Tips for Making Chicken Kabsa Flavorful

• Create your kabsa spice mix ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to three months, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and saving precious cooking minutes.
• Replace chicken with lamb or goat meat for an authentic Middle Eastern twist that transforms the entire dish's flavor profile and delivers a rich, hearty experience.
• Always rinse basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy, creating that signature light texture kabsa is famous for.
• Substitute chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables like cauliflower and chickpeas, maintaining the robust spice blend while creating a plant-based version that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• Transform remaining kabsa into a next-day meal by quickly stir-frying cold rice with extra spices, creating a quick and tasty lunch that retains the original dish's incredible aromatic qualities.

How to Serve Chicken Kabsa the Right Way

• Middle Eastern Feast Companion
• Fresh Cucumber Yogurt Raita: Whip up a cool, tangy yogurt sauce with diced cucumbers, fresh mint, and a pinch of salt to balance the rich, spicy kabsa flavors.
• Zesty Lemon Wedge Garnish: Serve bright lemon wedges alongside the dish, allowing guests to squeeze fresh citrus over the chicken and rice for a vibrant burst of acidity.
• Crisp Green Salad Pairing: Prepare a simple mixed salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a light olive oil dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced kabsa.
• Nutty Almond Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds over the rice for a delightful textural element that adds subtle crunch and nutty richness to each bite.

Chicken Kabsa Storage and Meal Prep Tips

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep leftover Chicken Kabsa in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Warm refrigerated Kabsa in microwave with 2-3 tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly, ensuring juicy chicken and fluffy rice.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Separate rice and chicken before freezing in individual sealed containers. Frozen Kabsa maintains quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare spice mix and chop vegetables in advance. Store marinated chicken and prepped ingredients separately in sealed containers. Cook fresh within 24-48 hours for maximum flavor intensity and nutritional value.

Authentic Chicken Kabsa Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken kabsa celebrates Saudi Arabian culinary traditions with aromatic spices and tender meat. Fragrant rice and perfectly seasoned chicken create a delicious meal that brings comfort and excitement to the table.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 kg whole chicken, cut into 6 pieces
• 3 cups (750 ml) basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 tbsps oil or butter
• 3 onions, sliced
• 200 g (7 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 green chili
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup slivered almonds (for garnish)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 6 cloves
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp dried whole lime powder
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom
• ¼ tsp ground white pepper
• ¼ tsp saffron
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• Water (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Create a robust kabsa spice blend by combining cardamom, white pepper, saffron, cinnamon, allspice, and lime powder in a mixing bowl. Set aside this aromatic mixture for later use.
2. Aromatic Base: Heat vegetable oil in a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Sauté onions, ginger, garlic, and green chili peppers until onions caramelize to a golden-brown hue. Introduce bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick, toasting briefly to release their essential oils.
3. Flavor Layering: Incorporate tomato puree, nutmeg, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and the prepared kabsa spice mixture. Season with salt and create a rich, fragrant sauce by simmering for 2-3 minutes. Add carrots and fresh tomatoes, cooking until vegetables begin to soften.
4. Chicken Preparation: Add chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring thorough browning on all sides. Cook for approximately 30 minutes, rotating periodically. Remove chicken temporarily and set aside.
5. Rice Cooking: Rinse basmati rice thoroughly and return to the spice-infused pan. Scatter raisins throughout, pour in water, and season lightly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, covering and simmering until rice reaches perfect tenderness.
6. Final Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Return chicken pieces, grilling for an additional 10-15 minutes to achieve a charred exterior and complete cooking.
7. Plating and Garnish: Arrange warm rice as a base, positioning grilled chicken elegantly. Scatter slivered almonds and additional raisins on top for a decorative and flavorful finish.

Notes

• Spice Blend Mastery: Create the kabsa spice mix ahead of time for deeper, more integrated flavors that will permeate every bite of the dish.
• Caramelization is Key: Take extra care when browning onions and chicken to develop rich, complex flavor foundations that elevate the entire recipe.
• Rice Rinsing Technique: Thoroughly wash basmati rice until water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separated grains that don’t become sticky.
• Layered Aromatics Strategy: Toast whole spices briefly to unlock their essential oils and maximize the depth of flavor throughout the chicken and rice preparation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg