Prepare to be transported to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with this mouthwatering Kabsa Chicken and Rice recipe that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! This legendary dish is more than just a meal – it's a sensory experience that combines aromatic spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice in a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a culinary adventurer or simply looking to impress your dinner guests, this authentic Kabsa recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 3 tablespoons kabsa spice mix
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then set aside to drain.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and half of the kabsa spice mix.
- Brown the chicken pieces in the pot, turning occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown color on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until translucent and slightly golden. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and remaining kabsa spice mix. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes start to break down.
- Return the chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the drained basmati rice to the pot, gently stirring to distribute evenly. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, arrange chicken pieces on top, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always rinse your basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain is perfectly separated and fluffy.
- Spice is Nice: Don't skimp on the kabsa spice mix – it's the heart and soul of this dish. If you can't find pre-made mix, you can create your own blend with cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Browning is Key: Take time to properly brown the chicken. This step builds deep flavor and creates a beautiful golden color that makes the dish visually appealing.
- Low and Slow: When cooking the rice, use the lowest heat setting and resist the urge to peek. This ensures even cooking and helps the rice absorb all those delicious flavors.
- Resting Matters: The 10-minute resting period after cooking is crucial. It allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining moisture, resulting in a perfectly textured dish.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley isn't just for looks – it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, spiced chicken and rice.Pro Chef Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the rice in a bit of butter before adding the broth, or add a handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts as a final garnish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 617kcal
Carbohydrates: 59g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
