Irresistible Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa You’ll Crave for Dinner

This Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa you’ll crave comes together in about 45 minutes and is cooked all in one pot for a easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the vegetables or proteins to suit your taste, or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those leftovers and odds and ends lingering in the corners of your refrigerator. Trust me, this dish is pure comfort food with tons of flavor and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 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 (Optional)

How to Make This Irresistible Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics (5 minutes)

In a large pot (you want to use a 6-quart pot here), melt 4 tablespoons of butter or ghee over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The smell? Heavenly! Add the garlic and a couple pinches of salt and pepper, stirring frequently until fragrant. It’s like a warm hug right now.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken (10 minutes)

Add the chicken pieces to the pot, skin side down (unless you’re going skinless, which is fine too). Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. You want it to get crispy and golden, oh, the aroma is already incredible, scrape the yummy bits off the bottom with your wooden spoon. They’ll add tons of flavor!

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Cook (10 minutes)

Once the chicken is browned, add the grated carrots, tomato puree, and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir in the saffron, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves; let everything come together for an additional 2-3 minutes as you continue to stir. Just wait until you see the colors dance in there!

Step 4: Stir in the Rice (5 minutes)

Next, add the basmati rice and gently stir it through the mixture, making sure each grain is coated in those delicious spices. Everything should be looking stunning! Pour in the hot water and add the chicken broth cube. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 5: Cook, Cover, and Let it Fluff (20 minutes)

Cover the pot and let everything cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth. Don’t peek, trust the process! It’s like magic in there.

Step 6: Serve it Up (5 minutes)

Once the rice has fluffed up and the chicken is cooked through, give it all a gentle fluff with a fork. Garnish with chopped parsley, raisins, and slivered almonds. Oh, and if you’re feeling spicy, serve with a side of shatta sauce! This dish is truly a multi-sensory experience.

Why I Love This Irresistible Kabsa Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I want something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor! I’m a real sucker for one-pot meals, who doesn’t love minimal cleanup after a busy day? My family can’t get enough of this comforting dish. The best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, so it’s a pretty forgiving recipe! Whether it’s a weeknight or a special gathering, this Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa never disappoints. Honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

If you loved this Kabsa, be sure to check out my Beef Molokhia Stew, my Baked Salmon, or my Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders!

What Makes This Irresistible Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa Special

Quick & Easy

Don’t you just love a dish that comes together in under 45 minutes? It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t have all evening to cook!

One Pot Meal

Seriously, who has time for lots of dishes? This recipe comes together all in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup required! Just toss everything in and forget it until it’s dinner time.

Kid-Friendly

This Kabsa is truly a crowd-pleaser, the whole family will love it! The flavors are vibrant but not overpowering, making it approachable for kiddos and picky eaters.

Budget-Friendly

What’s even better? This dish uses affordable, everyday ingredients. You may already have most of them at home, which is perfect if you’re trying to save some bucks.

Customizable

Use whatever ingredients you have! Leftover veggies, different proteins, don’t be afraid to switch things up. This recipe is flexible, so it can adapt based on what you need to use.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa with a side of Greek yogurt or a mixed green salad for a light and refreshing contrast! You could even enjoy it with homemade flatbreads to make the meal more of an experience.

How to Store

This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You might even find that the flavors get better as it sits!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply toss it back on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it, but I recommend doing it in intervals to keep the rice fluffy.

Freezer Friendly?

Yes! This Kabsa is freezer-friendly too! Just store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

So there you have it! Quick, easy, and always delicious, this Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa will be your new favorite weeknight meal. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be back for seconds!

Let me know if you give this a go. I can’t wait to hear how your family enjoys it! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!

Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa

This quick and easy one-pot Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa is a delicious and comforting meal that your family will love, ready in under 45 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Arabic, Mediterranean

Calories: 640

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 lbs Bone-in Chicken Use thighs, drumsticks, or a whole cut-up chicken for best flavor.
• 4 tbsp Butter or Ghee Ghee adds a nutty richness; substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free.
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt Essential for seasoning; use less if using table salt.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper Adds warmth; white pepper can be used for a different profile.
• 1 Large Onion, Finely Chopped Sweetness enhances flavor; could substitute with shallots or leeks.
• 6 Cloves Garlic, Minced Enhances the aromatic profile of the dish.
• 3 Medium Carrots, Grated Adds sweetness and color; can switch for peas or bell peppers.
• 1/4 Cup Tomato Puree Provides a velvety texture; crushed tomatoes can be used with adjusted cooking time.
• 14 oz Chopped Tomatoes Adds acidity; fresh or canned is fine.
• 1/2 tsp Crushed Saffron Gives color and flavor; can substitute with turmeric.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin Adds earthy warmth; ground coriander can be substituted.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Coriander Offers citrusy note; can substitute with dried parsley.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon Adds sweet warmth; cardamom can be an alternative.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Allspice Gives warm flavor; alternately use a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg.
• 1/4 tsp Grated Nutmeg Enhances aromatic quality; use sparingly.
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cardamom Adds sweetness and fragrance; can substitute with vanilla.
• 1/8 tsp Ground Cloves Use sparingly for depth; omit if not available.
• 2 1/4 Cups Basmati Rice Long grains absorb flavors well; can substitute with jasmine or long-grain rice.
• 4 Cups Hot Water Ensures even cooking and flavor absorption.
• 1 Cube Chicken Broth Adds savoriness; can substitute with homemade broth.
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, Chopped For garnish; can swap with cilantro.
• 1 tbsp Butter or Ghee (for garnish) Enhances flavor; can be omitted for a lighter dish.
• 1/4 Cup Raisins Adds sweetness; optional if not preferred.
• 1/4 Cup Slivered Almonds Provides crunch and enhances texture.
• to taste Shatta Sauce (Optional) Adds heat and excitement; use if desired.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter or ghee over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and a couple pinches of salt and pepper, stirring frequently until fragrant.

Cooking Chicken

1. Add the chicken pieces, skin side down. Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, scraping the bits off the bottom for flavor.

Adding Vegetables

1. Once the chicken is browned, add the grated carrots, tomato puree, and chopped tomatoes. Stir in the saffron, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves; let it come together for an additional 2-3 minutes as you stir.

Cooking the Rice

1. Add the basmati rice and gently stir through the mixture, ensuring each grain is coated. Pour in hot water and add the chicken broth cube; bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low.

Finishing Up

1. Cover the pot and cook for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed. Do not peek!

Serving

1. Fluff the rice with a fork once cooked, and garnish with parsley, raisins, and slivered almonds. Serve with shatta sauce if desired.

Notes

This dish is versatile; you can use leftover veggies or proteins. Adjust according to what you have on hand. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and it freezes well for up to 3 months.