Chicken Machboos Recipe -- Bahraini Chicken and Rice

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa is a healthier alternative with more protein.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is a plant-based option, while thighs are less expensive than breasts.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier but can be pricier.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: frozen herbs

Dried or frozen herbs can be more cost-effective.

Heat ghee in a cast iron pot until hot.

Brown the whole chicken on all sides for about 10 minutes, then set aside.

Sauté chopped red and white onions in the pot until softened.

Add chopped tomato and stir with the onions.

Add dried lime, bay leaves, whole red chilies, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the pot and mix well.

Return the chicken to the pot and add enough water to cover it.

Simmer for 30-40 minutes, checking occasionally.

After simmering, adjust spices and remove large spices from the pot.

Add rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir it in.

Add saffron and stir to combine.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover for about 45 minutes until rice is cooked.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary