Savor the essence of the Middle East with this aromatic Chicken Rice dish. It's a one-pot wonder, brimming with the warmth of mild spices and the comfort of tender chicken paired with perfectly seasoned rice.
This authentic Middle Eastern recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a hassle-free choice for both lunch and dinner, bringing exotic flavors to your table with ease.
Explore a Variety of Flavored Rice Dishes:
- Fried Rice
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Schezwan Fried Rice
- Egg Fried Rice
- Chicken Biryani
- Chicken and Rice
- Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Mexican Rice
Middle Eastern Chicken And Rice
Ingredients
For Dry Spice Powder
- 4 Dry red chili
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 4 Cloves
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds
- 3 Green cardamom
- 1 tsp Sumac
Other Ingredients
- 1.1 lb Chicken, cut and cleaned
- 1½ cup Basmati rice
- 2 tsp Ginger garlic paste, 1 tsp for marination + 1 tsp for sauteing
- ½ cup Yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 2 Bay leaves
- 3 Cardamom, 2 green + 1 black
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- ¼ cup Cooking oil
- Salt
- 3 cups Water
For Topping
- 1 tbsp Fried Cashews
- 1 tbsp Fried Raisins
- 1 tbsp Fried Onions, optional
Instructions
To Prepare Middle Eastern Chicken Rice
- Begin by grinding the specified ingredients under dry spice powder.
- Now, marinate the chicken with half the prepared dry powder, sumac, chili, and coriander powders, 1 tsp of ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, take your basmati rice, give it a good wash, and let it soak in water for 15 minutes.
- In a wide pan, heat your preferred cooking oil. Fry the marinated chicken in the hot oil until it achieves a golden brown color on both sides. Ensure the chicken is 70% cooked, as the remaining cooking will happen along with the rice. Once done, set it aside for later use.
- In the same pan, let's infuse some flavor. Add cumin, cardamom, bay leaves, and finely sliced onions. Sauté them until those onions turn translucent.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste, the remaining dry powder, and a pinch of turmeric. Sauté until the raw aroma dissipates, and the mixture becomes aromatic.
- Now, introduce the soaked basmati rice to the pan. Stir it thoroughly, ensuring the rice is coated with the flavorful spices. Add water, carefully seasoning it with a pinch of salt according to your taste. Cook the rice on medium heat until it bubbles up, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Nestle the previously fried chicken pieces into the seasoned rice. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook over a low medium flame for a duration of 20 to 30 minutes. This gentle cooking process ensures that the rice becomes beautifully cooked and fluffy, while all the flavors meld together to create a delicious Middle Eastern Chicken Rice dish.
- Enhance the richness and flavor of your Middle Eastern Chicken Rice by frying cashews and raisins in ghee or oil. Sprinkle the fried cashews, golden raisins, and crispy fried onions over the cooked dish. Your Middle Eastern Chicken Rice is now ready to be savored, offering a delightful touch of richness and flavor.
To Serve
- Enjoy this Middle Eastern Chicken Rice dish with a side of refreshing raita, a yogurt-cucumber mix. This cool and tangy accompaniment pairs wonderfully with the aromatic flavors of the chicken and rice, adding a delightful contrast of flavors and textures to your meal.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Indulge in a world of rice and biryanis, where aromatic flavors and vibrant spices come together to create culinary masterpieces. Our curated collection is a treasure trove for those seeking to savor the essence of global rice dishes.
Serving Suggestions
To complement your Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice, consider serving it with a side of:
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumber, yogurt, and garlic.
- Hummus: A classic chickpea dip with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Tabbouleh: A vibrant salad with bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and a lemony dressing.
- Flatbread or Pita: Serve with warm flatbread or pita for a traditional touch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini can add depth and flavor.
- Tahini Sauce: A creamy sauce made from sesame paste, garlic, lemon, and water.
- Pickled Vegetables: Pickled turnips or other Middle Eastern pickles can provide a tangy contrast.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and cucumbers.
Storage Suggestions
You can keep this Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it either in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
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