Kabsa Chicken: Saudi Chicken & Aromatic Rice

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 usually cheaper.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried apricots

💰Cheaper: sultanas

Dried apricots provide similar sweetness, while sultanas are often less expensive.

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 ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add diced tomatoes and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Season with salt, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves.

Add chicken pieces, browning on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 30-35 minutes.

Remove chicken and set aside; strain the broth if desired.

Add basmati rice to the pot, stirring to combine.

Place the chicken back on top of the rice, cover, and cook until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in raisins and cooked carrots and potatoes.

Serve hot, garnished with additional raisins or nuts if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: