Chicken machboos recipe || Kuwaiti traditional dish

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 1/2 cup oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add 2-3 chopped onions and sauté until translucent.

Stir in 9-10 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon chopped ginger, cooking until fragrant.

Add 1 chopped tomato and 2-3 green chilies, cooking until the tomato softens.

Incorporate 1 and half kg chicken pieces, stirring to coat with the mixture, and cook until browned.

Add whole garam masala (1 cinnamon stick, 4-5 cardamom pods, 2 bay leaves, 1 star anise, 6 cloves, and 1 teaspoon black pepper), stirring for 1 minute to release aromas.

Pour in water above the chicken level and add 1-2 chicken stock cubes, then bring to a simmer.

Cover and cook on low heat until chicken is tender.

Remove chicken and set aside, then add 1 kg soaked basmati rice to the pot.

Stir well, cover, and cook on low heat until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.

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

For topping, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan and sauté 3-4 square shaped chopped onions until golden.

Add 1/2 cup soaked chana dal and 1/2 cup golden raisins, cooking until heated through.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: