Authentic Chicken Kabsa is a fragrant, spiced Saudi Arabian rice dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables into a rich, flavorful one-pot meal. Known for its deliciously complex flavor profile, this dish is both satisfying and comforting. Perfect for a special family dinner or a cozy night in, Chicken Kabsa offers a taste of Middle Eastern tradition at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fragrant & flavorful – The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon makes this dish incredibly aromatic and deeply flavorful.
- Tender chicken – The chicken is seared to golden perfection and then simmered to juicy tenderness in a rich broth.
- One-pot meal – This dish is easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Hearty & satisfying – The blend of basmati rice and chicken makes for a fulfilling, balanced meal.
- Authentic Saudi Arabian flavors – A true taste of the Middle East right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Whole chicken legs (or 4 drumsticks/thighs)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Turmeric
- Paprika
- Olive oil
For the Kabsa:
- Vegetable oil
- Large onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Green bell pepper, chopped
- Red bell pepper, chopped
- Basmati rice, rinsed
- Chicken broth (or water)
Spices:
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cardamom
- Ground cloves
- Black pepper
- Dried bay leaf
- Dried black lime (loomi), optional
Directions
Marinate the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken legs (or drumsticks/thighs) with salt, black pepper, turmeric, paprika, and olive oil.
- Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and sear for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Stir in minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, and bell peppers.
- Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Add Spices:
- Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and black pepper.
- Add the dried bay leaf and dried black lime (loomi) if using.
- Cook the spices for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the browned chicken to the pot and pour in chicken broth (or water).
- Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Rice:
- Add rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir gently.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Serve:
- Fluff the rice and place the chicken on top of the rice.
- Serve with yogurt or a fresh salad on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 600 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower for a hearty vegetarian Kabsa.
- Add nuts: Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- More spice: Add chili powder or fresh green chilies for a spicier version.
- Lemon twist: Add fresh lemon juice or zest to brighten the flavors.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker with the spices, rice, and broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! Add fresh green chilies, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes to increase the heat level.
What can I serve with Kabsa?
Serve with a side salad, yogurt, or flatbread for a complete meal.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead of bone-in pieces. Adjust the cooking time as boneless chicken cooks faster.
Conclusion
This Authentic Chicken Kabsa is a rich, flavorful one-pot meal that showcases the delicious, aromatic spices of Saudi Arabian cuisine. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked basmati rice, and a medley of vegetables, this dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner. Whether you’re familiar with Kabsa or new to this dish, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
O
Print
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fragrant, spiced Saudi Arabian rice dish cooked with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and vegetables for a rich and flavorful one-pot meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 whole chicken legs (or 4 drumsticks/thighs)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Kabsa:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
Spices:
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 dried black lime (loomi), optional
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- Rub chicken with salt, black pepper, turmeric, paprika, and olive oil. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Stir in garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
Add Spices:
- Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, bay leaf, and black lime. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Chicken:
- Return chicken to the pot, pour in broth, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook the Rice:
- Add basmati rice to the pot, stir gently, and cover.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Serve:
- Fluff the rice, place the chicken on top, and enjoy with yogurt or a fresh salad.
Notes
- You can omit the dried black lime (loomi) if you don’t have it, but it adds a unique tangy flavor to the dish.
- Kabsa is traditionally served with a side of yogurt or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for extra freshness.
- For extra flavor, garnish with toasted almonds or raisins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Middle Eastern, Comfort Food
- Method: Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Saudi Arabian, Middle Eastern
