Chicken Machboos Kuwaiti - Traditional Kuwait Food

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa offers more protein, while long-grain rice is often less expensive.

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner, while chicken thighs are more affordable.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

cinnamon sticks

🥗Healthier: ground cinnamon

💰Cheaper: none

Ground cinnamon is more convenient but offers similar flavor.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add chopped tomatoes and green chili, cooking until tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes.

Incorporate chicken pieces, stirring to coat with the mixture, and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.

Add cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, turmeric, cumin, and coriander, stirring for 1 minute to release aromas.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until chicken is tender.

Remove chicken and set aside, then add basmati rice to the pot.

Stir well, cover, and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.

Return chicken to the pot, fluff the rice with a fork, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: