Authentic Saudi Chicken Kabsa

Come along with me and try this Authentic Saudi Chicken Kabsa! This traditional dish will transport you to the roots of the Middle East with its overpowering symphony of spices, savory rice, and juicy chicken.

The rice is cooked to fluffy perfection, absorbing all of the delicious flavors from the spices and chicken broth, creating a rare delicacy and hearty meal for your gatherings.

So, grab your ingredients and prepare to embark on an unforgettable culinary experience. Allow the delicious aroma to spread throughout your kitchen as you cook this unique Saudi Kabsa!

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Relish in the Rich and Vibrant Flavors of Traditional Saudi Cuisine

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Let’s Discover More About the Authentic Delight of Saudi Kabsa

Let’s dive into the delicious world of Kabsa, a treasured culinary delicacy that steals hearts and taste buds alike. Kabsa; the pride of Saudi Arabia, is a star at local celebrations and it holds a special place on dining tables across all of the Middle East.

With a few exceptions, the dish’s characteristics are consistent across most countries. This delightful dish is available almost everywhere, from humble hawker centers to high-end restaurants. While there are numerous versions of Saudi chicken Kabsa, the best version includes succulent chicken and spiced rice.

In a one-pot rice dish, the ingredients are piled one on top of the other. The end result is a dish with a mouthwatering scent and a spicy, lemony flavor. It is typically served when it is sizzling hot.

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Saudi Kabsa is the first dish that I learned how to make right before I got married. It was a pivotal recipe for me because before that, I had only made quick 10-minute meals. So, I needed to have at least one Middle Eastern dish down. I narrowed it down to Authentic Saudi Kabsa; and I’ve been on a roll ever since!

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Containing the Arab Peninsula’s Flavor

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Ingredients

Kabsa, a beloved Middle Eastern dish of spiced rice and chicken, is easy to prepare when using the following ingredients:

Chicken

Yellow onion

Garlic cloves

Dry lemon

Cinnamon sticks

Dried bay leaf

Cardamom pods

Whole cloves

Tomato

Olive oil

Tomato sauce

Tomato paste

Water

Salt

Kabsa spices

For Kabsa Spice Mix:

Cinnamon

Black pepper

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Curry powder

Turmeric

Ground cardamom

7 spice

Coriander powder

For the Rice:

Basmati rice

Salt

Chicken broth

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Kabsa’s Secret Ingredients

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Easy Steps to Make This Saudi Chicken Kabsa

With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, the Middle Eastern Saudi Chicken Kabsa is the perfect recipe for every family.

First, to a pot, add olive oil and your finely diced onions. Brown on medium-high heat.

Then, add the garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, you can add a spicy pepper here if you like.

Next, add the chicken, whole spices and mix together, then sauté for 2-3 minutes, and add the ground spices and mix again.

Now, add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, pureed tomato, and water. Mix well, cover, and let it come to a rolling boil for 5 minutes before lowering the heat to medium and letting it simmer for half an hour or until cooked.

After that, remove the whole spices from the broth and save the remaining broth. Then remove the chicken and add it to a pan or air fryer to crisp up. I broiled for a few minutes.

For the Rice:

First, add the rice to a pot along with the salt and the broth. If not enough broth is left, top the remaining amount with water.

Then, let it come to a rolling boil for 5 minutes before covering and simmering on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

For Assembly:

Now, transfer the cooked rice to a large serving platter and place the chicken on top of it. You can also garnish with freshly chopped parsley, toasted almonds, or pine nuts if you want to add some crunchy texture.

Finally, serve with fresh salad, hot sauce, or yogurt, and enjoy!

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Different Flavorful Textures in One Mouthful

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Tips and Notes

To achieve rice perfection, use the ideal water ratio of 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice. Avoid using too much water, which can result in a mushy texture.

If you feel your rice is undercooked, a simple trick is to add a touch of water and allow it to steam on medium heat. This gentle process can perform wonders.

Retain the juiciness of your chicken by cooking it with the skin intact. Before steaming the rice, you can opt to remove the skin. For those leaning towards grilling or frying, the skin adds a wonderful crispy layer.

While short-grain rice is used in many Middle Eastern cuisines, this recipe offers a distinctive twist. Long-grain basmati flourishes in this recipe, producing outstanding results in cooking while remaining less sticky.

Elevate your Kabsa experience by serving it with refreshing yogurt, a crunchy salad such as Cucumber Yogurt Salad | Khiyar Bi Laban, or a steaming bowl of newly blended tomato sauce infused with a touch of green chilies.

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Satisfy Your Cravings with a Royal Plate Of Kabsa

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Saudi Kabsa Storage Tips

Even though it’s highly improbably that anything will be left from this exquisite Saudi Chicken Kabsa, I’ll mention some storing and reheating tips.

Storing: Make sure you store your kabsa only after it has cooled down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a shallow, airtight container to ensure even cooling. I recommend that you label the container with the date to make sure you don’t keep it for too long as you should consume after a maximum of 3-4 days.

Reheating: You can reheat your kabsa in the microwave for around 2 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop; this helps to retain the texture and flavor of the kabsa. Put the kabsa in a saucepan or skillet with a very minimal amount of water or broth to prevent it from drying out or burning. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until heated through.

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A Rich Table Is Overpowering

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Must-Try Recipes:

Middle Eastern Spiced Baked Chicken

Ouzi Rice With Ground Beef

Middle Eastern Vermicelli Rice (Ruz Bil Shi’iriya)

Authentic Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Chicken Musakhan Sliders

Authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls

Dawood Basha (Kufta and Potato Stew)

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