Irresistible Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa – The Ultimate Middle Eastern Comfort Dish

Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa is one of the most iconic dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine. Richly spiced, deeply aromatic, and beautifully balanced, this traditional Saudi kabsa recipe brings together tender chicken and fragrant basmati rice infused with warm spices, tomatoes, and subtle sweetness from raisins.

If you’re searching for an authentic Arabic chicken kabsa recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, this guide covers everything—from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to cultural background and expert tips.

Let’s dive into the comforting world of Middle Eastern chicken rice.

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What Is Arabic Chicken Kabsa?

Arabic Chicken Kabsa is a classic rice and meat dish that originates from Saudi Arabia and is widely enjoyed across the Gulf region and the broader Middle East. Traditionally made with chicken or lamb, kabsa features long-grain basmati rice cooked in a spiced tomato broth and layered with beautifully seasoned meat.

The flavor profile is warm, slightly smoky, savory, and gently sweet. Whole spices like cardamom and cinnamon provide depth, while tomatoes add richness and subtle tanginess.

Kabsa is often served during family gatherings, celebrations, and communal meals, making it more than just food—it’s a symbol of hospitality and generosity.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Kabsa Recipe

• One-pot meal with bold, authentic flavors
• Perfect balance of spices without overwhelming heat
• Feeds a crowd easily
• Great for meal prep
• Naturally gluten-free

This traditional Saudi kabsa is hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly simple once you understand the layering technique.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 6–8 pieces (or 1.5 kg bone-in chicken pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon kabsa spice blend

Whole Spices

• 3 cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves

For the Rice

• 3 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked 20 minutes
• 4 cups chicken broth (from cooking chicken or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Garnish

• 1/4 cup toasted almonds
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent and lightly golden. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add Tomatoes and Spices

Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and the oil begins to separate.

Add salt, black pepper, kabsa spice blend, and whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves). Stir well.

3. Brown the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces into the pot. Stir to coat them thoroughly with the tomato-spice mixture. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly browned.

4. Simmer

Pour in enough water to cover the chicken (about 4–5 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Remove the chicken pieces and set aside. Strain the broth if desired and measure 4 cups for the rice.

5. Cook the Rice

Add soaked and drained basmati rice to the same pot. Pour in 4 cups of the reserved broth. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and cook for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

If using raisins, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

6. Optional: Roast the Chicken

For extra flavor and crispiness, place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes until the skin is slightly crispy.

7. Assemble and Serve

Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Arrange chicken pieces on top of the rice. Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh parsley.

Serve hot on a large platter for a traditional presentation.

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What Is Kabsa Spice Blend?

Kabsa spice blend typically includes:

• Ground coriander
• Ground cumin
• Turmeric
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Cardamom
• Cinnamon

You can buy a ready-made blend or create your own for maximum freshness.

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Expert Tips for Perfect Middle Eastern Chicken Rice

1. Use Quality Basmati Rice

Long-grain basmati rice ensures fluffy, separate grains. Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents clumping.

2. Don’t Skip Whole Spices

Whole spices provide depth that ground spices alone can’t achieve.

3. Control the Liquid Ratio

Too much broth makes rice mushy; too little leaves it undercooked. Stick to 1 cup rice to roughly 1 1/3 cups liquid.

4. Let It Rest

After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing. This helps finish steaming evenly.

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Variations

Spicy Kabsa

Add chopped green chilies or 1 teaspoon chili powder for heat.

Lamb Kabsa

Replace chicken with bone-in lamb chunks and extend simmering time to 60–90 minutes.

Vegetable Kabsa

Use mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.

Smoky Kabsa (Traditional Method)

Some traditional recipes include a brief smoke infusion using a hot charcoal piece placed in foil inside the pot with a drizzle of oil. Cover tightly for 2–3 minutes to infuse a smoky aroma.

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Serving Suggestions

Arabic chicken kabsa pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
• Yogurt sauce with garlic and mint
• Spicy tomato salsa (dakous)

Traditionally, kabsa is served on a large communal platter, and guests eat together, reinforcing hospitality and togetherness.

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Cultural Context: A Dish of Hospitality

In Saudi Arabia, kabsa is considered a national treasure. It is often prepared for weddings, family gatherings, and special occasions.

Across the Middle East, variations exist under different names, but the core idea remains the same: rice cooked in deeply flavored broth with tender meat.

Kabsa reflects the region’s love for warm spices, slow cooking, and shared meals.

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Storage and Meal Prep

• Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture

Kabsa tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

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Nutritional Highlights

Chicken provides lean protein, while basmati rice offers sustained energy. The spices contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Because this is a balanced one-pot meal, it works well for family dinners and weekly meal planning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in pieces give richer flavor to the broth.

Can I make kabsa in a rice cooker?

You can cook the rice portion in a rice cooker after preparing the chicken broth separately.

Is kabsa spicy?

Traditional kabsa is aromatic rather than spicy. Heat level is adjustable.

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Final Thoughts

Irresistible Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Middle Eastern culinary tradition. With its fragrant spices, tender chicken, and fluffy basmati rice, this dish delivers comfort, warmth, and unforgettable flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal prep, this authentic chicken and rice kabsa recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.