This Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa you’ll crave comes together in about 30 minutes yes, you read that right! Picture this: it’s all one pot, making for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will absolutely love! You can switch up the vegetables and proteins to suit your taste or use it as a fantastic “clean out the fridge” meal to utilize those odds and ends you have lying around. Let’s dive into this delicious dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to become your go-to recipe!
Ingredients Breakdown
What You’ll Need to Make This Delicious Kabsa
3 lbs bone-in chicken
4 tbsp butter or ghee
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 large onion, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, grated
1/4 cup tomato puree
14 oz chopped tomatoes
1/2 tsp crushed saffron
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/8 tsp ground cloves
2 1/4 cups basmati rice
4 cups hot water
1 cube chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp butter or ghee for garnish
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup slivered almonds
Shatta sauce (or any chili paste)
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Irresistible Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa
Melt the Butter : In a big, heavy pot, melt your butter or ghee over medium heat. Let it get all bubbly and aromatic, oh, the smell is heavenly!
Sauté the Aromatics : Toss in the chopped onion and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Sauté until the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes), stirring frequently. This is where the magic starts!
Add Garlic and Carrots : Stir in the minced garlic and grated carrots, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes) you’ll want to get every bit of that garlicky goodness.
Stir in the Sauces : Add in the tomato puree and chopped tomatoes, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom of the pot! We want all those flavors infused, right? Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
Spice It Up! It’s time for the spices! Mix in the saffron, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves. Stir until the spices are super aromatic, about 1 minute. Oh goodness, we’re almost there!
Starting with the Chicken : Add the chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them right into that sauce. Pour in the hot water, and throw in the chicken broth cube. Bring this whole delicious pot of goodness to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover for about 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (a good rule of thumb is to check it reaches 165°F).
The Rice : Once the chicken is just about done, stir in the basmati rice along with the raisins. Allow it to simmer, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the yummy liquid. If it looks a bit dry, you can always add a splash more water!
Finishing Touches : Once the rice is fluffy and all deliciously mixed in, turn off the heat. Stir in the slivered almonds and fresh parsley for that pop of color and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy! Arrange everything beautifully on a platter, garnishing with butter or ghee on top for that luxurious finish, everyone’s going to flip when they see it!
Why This Recipe Works
One Pot Wonder
It’s the magic of a one-pot dish, minimal cleanup required! Seriously, once you’re done, just rinse out that pot, and you’re golden.
Comfort Food
This is comfort food at its finest, loaded with tons of flavor, your family will be begging for seconds. It’s like a warm hug after a long day.
Quick & Easy
We’re talking about a full meal in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
Customizable
Want to add in different veggies? Go for it! Chicken not your thing? Use whatever protein you have on hand. The best part is you can make it work for you!
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients. Who doesn’t love that? Plus, it makes serving an entire family or even a crowd super easy.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve This Kabsa
Serve this beautiful dish hot, straight from the pot or plated up on a large platter. Pair it with a simple salad or some yogurt on the side to balance out the flavors. Oh! And don’t forget those Shatta sauce drizzles for those spicy fans in the family.
Storage
If you have leftovers, lucky you! It’ll be good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Honestly, it might taste even better the next day, giving the flavors time to mingle!
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat it quickly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist. You don’t want it drying out!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! This dish freezes wonderfully. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and it should keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Personal Connection
This Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa is one of my absolute go-to recipes. Whenever I’m looking for something comforting and satisfying, that brings everyone around the table, it’s this dish. The aroma of spices takes me back to cozy family dinners and laughter. I’m a real sucker for food that not only fills the belly but warms the soul, and I can guarantee that this dish does just that. Plus, it’s super versatile; you can throw in whatever’s in the fridge, and it still comes out tasting amazing!
If you loved this easy, delicious Kabsa, be sure to check out my Persian Skewered Meat, Shawarma Chicken And Rice, or my best Mujadara! They are family favorites and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Final Thoughts
Cooking is truly about bringing flavors together and sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. Whether you’re conquering a busy weeknight or prepping for family get-togethers, this Irresistible Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa is your ultimate crowd-pleaser. So put on your apron, crank up your favorite tunes, and let’s create some delicious memories together!
Happy cooking, friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Feel free to ask any questions or share your own versions. I’d love to hear how it goes!
Print
Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy one-pot Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, loaded with flavors and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in chicken
- 4 tbsp butter or ghee
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup tomato puree
- 14 oz chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp crushed saffron
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 2 1/4 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups hot water
- 1 cube chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or ghee for garnish
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- Shatta sauce (or any chili paste) (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter or ghee over medium heat in a big, heavy pot until bubbly and aromatic.
- Add the chopped onion, salt, and pepper; sauté until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated carrots, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add tomato puree and chopped tomatoes, simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix in saffron, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves; stir until aromatic (about 1 minute).
- Add chicken pieces, hot water, and chicken broth cube; bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Stir in basmati rice and raisins, simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Turn off the heat and mix in slivered almonds and parsley.
- Serve the dish garnished with butter or ghee on top.
Notes
This dish can be customized with different vegetables or proteins. Great for using leftovers and minimizes cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Arabic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
