Fragrant Chicken Kabsa

If you're craving real Middle Eastern flavor, this fragrant chicken kabsa recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here's everything you need to make it right at home.

Chicken Kabsa layers fragrant basmati rice cooked in a spiced tomato broth with tender braised chicken, a comforting one-pot dish popular throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

Ready in about 70 minutes from start to finish, this intermediate-friendly recipe makes 6 servings and comes together with 13 everyday ingredients. It's the kind of Middle Eastern dish worth putting into regular rotation.

Why this recipe works:

Rice is cooked directly in a spiced tomato-chicken broth, so every grain absorbs flavor from the inside out.
Braising the chicken alongside the rice keeps it tender while infusing the whole pot with its juices.
A one-pot method that's forgiving for an intermediate cook, ready in about 70 minutes.
Makes 6 servings, a hearty, crowd-friendly one-pot dinner.

✅ Quick Tip: Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking removes excess starch and helps keep the grains separate and fluffy. Keep it at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil — too much heat breaks down delicate ingredients and can make sauces separate.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of tomato sauce (daqoos) and a simple cucumber salad.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Rest Time 10 mins

Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Cooking Method: Simmering

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 6

Estimated Cost: 13

Calories: 480

Best Season: Available

Description

Chicken Kabsa layers fragrant basmati rice cooked in a spiced tomato broth with tender braised chicken, a comforting one-pot dish popular throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Ready in about 70 minutes from start to finish, this intermediate-friendly recipe makes 6 servings and comes together with 13 everyday ingredients. It's the kind of Middle Eastern dish worth putting into regular rotation.

Ingredients:

6 bone-in chicken thighs
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tomatoes chopped
2 tsp kabsa spice mix
1 tsp turmeric
1 cinnamon stick
3 cardamom pods
3 cups basmati rice rinsed
4 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup toasted almonds

Instructions

1
Before you start, gather and prep all 13 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
2
Heat oil in a large pot and brown the chicken thighs on both sides.
3
Remove and set aside.
4
Add onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
5
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6
Stir in tomatoes, kabsa spice, turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
7
Return the chicken to the pot along with the rice and chicken stock.
8
Bring to a boil.
9
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
10
Let rest for 10 minutes.
11
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
12
Fluff the rice and top with raisins and toasted almonds before serving.
13
Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Fragrant Chicken Kabsa.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 480kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 580mg25%
Total Carbohydrate 58g20%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 5g
Protein 32g64%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking removes excess starch and helps keep the grains separate and fluffy. Keep it at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil - too much heat breaks down delicate ingredients and can make sauces separate.

Keywords: chicken kabsa recipe, arabian rice chicken, middle eastern kabsa, spiced rice chicken

Read it online: https://nevabe.store/recipe/fragrant-chicken-kabsa/

Nevabe Kitchen

Fragrant Chicken Kabsa

Nutrition Facts