Yemeni Chicken Mandi~ Smokey BBQ & Arabian Magic~ Exotic Biryani Cousin with an Ancient Desert Charm

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Quinoa is nutritious while long-grain rice is often less expensive.

whole chicken

🥗Healthier: skinless chicken breast

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Skinless chicken breast is leaner, while thighs are more budget-friendly.

saffron

🥗Healthier: turmeric

💰Cheaper: annatto seeds

Turmeric provides color and health benefits, while annatto is more affordable.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories; water with seasoning is cost-effective.

Marinate the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, Mandi mix, olive oil or ghee, and salt. Let it marinate overnight.

Soak basmati rice for 30 minutes.

Heat oil in a pot and sauté sliced onions until translucent.

Add crushed garlic and cook until fragrant.

Add the marinated chicken to the pot and brown on all sides.

Stir in the spices: cumin, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and smoked paprika.

Add the soaked rice, chicken stock or water, and saffron. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and cook until rice is tender.

For the final touch, place a small piece of charcoal in a bowl over the rice, pour ghee over it, and cover to trap the smoke for 5 minutes.

Serve the rice topped with the chicken, garnished with fried onions, nuts, and raisins.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: