Al Kabsa (Traditional Saudi Rice and Chicken)

Al Kabsa (Traditional Saudi Rice and Chicken)
  • PREP TIME
    40 mins
  • COOK TIME
    1 hrs 30 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    2 hrs 10 mins
  • SERVING
    8 People
  • VIEWS
    166

Embark on a culinary journey to Saudi Arabia with this fragrant and flavorful Al Kabsa. Tender chicken and aromatic basmati rice are infused with a symphony of spices, creating a truly unforgettable dish. Perfect for a family feast or a special occasion, this Kabsa will transport your taste buds to the heart of the Middle East.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    55 g
  • Cholesterol
    88 mg
  • Fiber
    3 g
  • Protein
    29 g
  • Saturated Fat
    8 g
  • Sodium
    423 mg
  • Sugar
    7 g
  • Fat
    21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, gently combine the saffron threads, cinnamon, allspice, dried lime powder, cardamom, and white pepper. Set aside this aromatic mixture. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes softened and translucent. (5 minutes). Add the chicken pieces and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides (10 minutes). Stir in the tomato paste until well combined.

03

Step

Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, grated carrots, whole cloves, nutmeg, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and the reserved spice blend. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom. Pour in the hot chicken broth and add the chicken bouillon cube.

04

Step

Simmer the Chicken: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and gently simmer until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. (30 minutes)

05

Step

Add Rice and Raisins: Gently stir in the unrinsed basmati rice. Cover the pot tightly and simmer until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (25 minutes). Add the golden raisins and a little more hot chicken broth if necessary to prevent sticking. Cover and cook until the rice grains are separate and fluffy (5-10 minutes)

06

Step

Garnish and Serve: Transfer the fragrant rice to a large serving platter and arrange the tender chicken pieces on top. Generously sprinkle with the toasted slivered almonds for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Serve hot.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and some of the spice blend for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Adjust the amount of dried lime powder to your preference. It adds a unique tanginess to the dish.
If you don't have dried lime powder, you can substitute with the zest of one lime.
Serve with a side of plain yogurt, a Middle Eastern salad, or a spicy tomato sauce (shattah) for an authentic experience.

Dedrick Jones

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.6/ 5 ( 55 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (9)
  • Robb Rogahn

    My family loved this dish! It's a new favorite in our house.

  • Hosea Hudson

    So delicious, I added some chili for an extra kick!

  • Selena Balistreri

    I made this for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone asked for the recipe.

  • Mose Mertz

    This recipe is a keeper! Thank you for sharing!

  • Nelson Heller

    This is a great recipe for a special occasion or a weekend family dinner.

  • Estefania Keeling

    I added a little extra dried lime powder for a more intense flavor. Delicious!

  • Kallie Flatley

    I was a little intimidated to make this, but the instructions were so clear and easy to follow. It turned out perfectly!

  • Reilly Hamill

    This Kabsa recipe is fantastic! The flavors are so authentic and the chicken was incredibly tender.

  • Abdullah Zemlak

    The aroma while this was cooking was heavenly! It tasted even better than it smelled.

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