Saudi Chicken Kabsa – Arabian Rice

Saudi Chicken Kabsa – Arabian Rice

Kabsa is an extremely popular Chicken and Rice dish that originated in Saudi Arabia. It enjoys popularity in several other countries too.  Kabsa comes in as many versions as there are cooks! It is different in every household.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exemplifies the humble art of generosity. And the cuisine of this land is no exception. The food varies from region to region but certain dishes like the National dish, Kabsa are found across the Kingdom. It is, without doubt, a dish that represents the sense of sharing and generosity, the hallmark of Saudi culture.

Quite basic in nature, it is comprised of rice and meat, cooked sometimes with vegetables or potatoes. These main ingredients are bought beautifully together with the warmth of aromatic fresh spices. This spice mix is what lends the distinctive flavor to Kabsa. One whiff, one mouthful, and you are immediately hit with a sense of comfort and satisfaction.

My older recipe for Kabsa Arabian Rice on my blog is one of the most popular here. So many have loved this version. However, it involves a little more steps to it than the average day-to-day Kabsa (perhaps why, it became so popular?). 

Several were on the look for a simpler home-style Kabsa and I have added a Simple Kabsa recipe too, one which requires no marination and uses canned tomato sauce.

The popularity of the Kabsa on my blog is what lead me to do vast research of a perfect and authentic Kabsa Spice Blend. After a few years in the making, I had posted that recipe too,  here Kabsa Spice Mix.

So many of you have given me such great feedback on that spice mix recipe, I was truly delighted.  The spice mix can even be used to make several other delicious dishes, I have shared some in the Fi HAR Series. Some of the spices may be harder to get a hold of than others, so you can skip those ingredients if you need to. You can also use your own favorite brand of Kabsa spice powder if you have one – for the following – newer – easy and tasty Saudi Chicken Kabsa – Arabian Rice.

Here, you can use my Kabsa Spice Mix or yours, and the job of making Kabsa is made so very easy! You will be so pleasantly happy with the results too.

Scroll down for the Complete Recipe.

 Saudi Chicken Kabsa – Arabian Rice

Watch the Video or click to read Complete Recipe – Below. 

How to make Saudi Chicken Kabsa – Arabian Rice Recipe at a glance:

• Marinate chicken.
• Soak and drain the rice.
• Chop onion, tomato, and garlic.
• Pan fry chicken lightly.
• Use the same oil to saute chopped ingredients and cook rice with water and added spices.
• Place fried chicken on top and smoke the rice and chicken together.

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Ingredients:

• 1 kg Chicken, medium or large-sized pieces with bone. You can keep the skin on if you prefer.
• 4 cups Basmati rice
• 2 Onions, chopped
• 4 large firm, ripe Tomatoes, chopped (deep red and juicy)
• 8 large cloves Garlic, finely chopped
• 3 Tbsp Kabsa Spice Mix (see notes)
• 1/4- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 2 Tbsp Tomato puree or 1 tsp Tomato paste.
• 1 Dried black lime/ loomi
• 1/2 cup Sunflower oil
• 3 1/2 tsp salt

For Marination:

• 2 1/2 Tbsp Ginger-garlic paste (equal amounts of fresh ginger and garlic, ground to a paste)
• 1 Tbsp Fresh lime juice
• 3/4 tsp Black Pepper powder
• 3/4 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp Chilli powder
• 1 Tbsp Sunflower oil
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh coriander
• 1 chicken stock cube (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or use 1 tsp if you omitted the chicken stock cube)

RAS channel video on Recipe page⇑.Video below is in Malayalam ⇓.

It is recommended that you open the recipe page and keep this page going if you like to WATCH / LISTEN to the video alongside the written instructions.

Key Ingredients: Rice, Chicken, Spices, Dried Lime, Tomato, Garlic, Ginger, Onion, Oil, Salt.

EAT AND TELL!!! Let us know if you tried –  Saudi Chicken Kabsa – Arabian Rice