Authentic Saudi Chicken Kabsa

Name: Saudi Chicken Kabsa Recipe: Arabian Chicken & Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces; 2 tbsp oil; 1 large onion, finely sliced; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 green chilies; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 cardamom pods; 4 cloves; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp paprika; Salt to taste; 2½ cups basmati rice, washed and soaked; 4½–5 cups chicken stock/water; 1 dried black lime (loomi), optional; ½ cup raisins, optional; ¼ cup roasted almonds or cashews; Fresh coriander for garnish

Saudi Chicken Kabsa Recipe - Fresh Byte Kitchen

Ingredients

For Chicken:
1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
2 tbsp oil
1 large onion, finely sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 green chilies
1 cinnamon stick
4 cardamom pods
4 cloves
2 bay leaves
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp paprika
Salt to taste
For Rice:
2½ cups basmati rice, washed and soaked
4½–5 cups chicken stock/water
1 dried black lime (loomi), optional
½ cup raisins, optional
¼ cup roasted almonds or cashews
Fresh coriander for garnish

Difficulty : Medium

Serves : 6

Saudi Chicken Kabsa is a flavorful Arabian rice dish made with juicy spiced chicken and fragrant basmati rice. The rice is cooked in a rich tomato and chicken stock infused with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and dried black lime. Topped with golden roasted chicken, raisins and roasted almonds, this traditional Saudi-style dish is perfect for family meals and special occasions. 🇸🇦✨

Cooking Steps

1
Marinate the chicken: Mix chicken with turmeric, paprika, black pepper, cumin, coriander powder and salt. Set aside for 20–30 minutes.
2
Cook the masala: Heat oil in a large pot. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and bay leaves. Sauté until fragrant.
3
Add sliced onion and cook until golden. Add garlic and green chilies.
4
Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil begins to separate.
5
Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
6
Pour in the chicken stock/water and add the dried black lime. Cover and simmer until the chicken is almost completely cooked.
7
Remove the chicken and place it on a baking tray. Roast or grill at 200°C for 15–20 minutes, until beautifully golden.
8
Add the soaked basmati rice to the chicken stock. Cover and cook on low heat until the rice is fluffy and completely cooked.
9
Serve: Spread the aromatic Kabsa rice on a large serving platter. Place the roasted chicken on top and garnish with raisins, roasted nuts and fresh coriander.
10
✨ Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Saudi-style Chicken Kabsa! 🇸🇦🍗🍚

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes chicken kabsa different from biryani?

Kabsa cooks the rice in the spiced chicken and tomato stock in one pot, with whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. It is milder and less layered than biryani.