Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Saudi Arabian
Ingredients: 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; 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); 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

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

Units Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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