Chicken Kabsa Recipe
Chicken Kabsa, a flavorful one-pot rice and chicken dish, is an authentic treasure of Saudi cuisine. Known for its aromatic spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, this Arabian Chicken Kabsa recipe is loved across the Middle East. With a rich blend of traditional spices, this authentic Chicken Kabsa recipe offers a true taste of Saudi Arabia. Here's an easy Chicken Kabsa recipe step by step for you to try at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or 1 kg chicken pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, finely sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 5 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 4 cups chicken stock (or water)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds or pine nuts, toasted
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Stir in the tomato puree and tomato paste, then add the bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, and other spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, coating them in the spice mixture. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Rice: Remove the chicken and set aside. Add the chicken stock to the pot, then stir in the soaked rice. Arrange the chicken on top of the rice. Cover and cook on low heat for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted almonds and raisins over the best Chicken Kabsa recipe and serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Kabsa
- Use basmati rice for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing paprika and cumin.
- For a richer flavor, fry the nuts and raisins in butter before garnishing.
FAQs
Q: What makes this Chicken Kabsa recipe authentic?
A: The use of Saudi-inspired spices, traditional cooking methods, and basmati rice create an authentic Chicken Kabsa recipe.
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole chicken with boneless chicken pieces to make this an easy Chicken Kabsa recipe.
Q: Can I cook Chicken Kabsa without tomatoes?
A: Tomatoes add depth to the dish, but you can replace them with more chicken stock for a lighter Arabic Chicken Kabsa recipe.
Q: Is Kabsa similar to biryani?
A: While both are rice-based dishes, Kabsa uses distinct Arabian spices, making it unique compared to Indian biryani.
Q: Can I store leftover Chicken Kabsa?
A: Yes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain its flavors.
Enjoy this traditional Chicken Kabsa recipe Saudi-style and bring the essence of Arabian cuisine to your table!