Chicken Mandi, a traditional Yemeni dish, brings together juicy roasted chicken and flavorful rice with a blend of special spices. This popular Arabian recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner and pairs wonderfully with raita.
What You’ll Find On This Page
In this chicken-based version, we skip the red meat but keep all the rich flavors. Traditionally, Chicken Mandi is cooked in a tandoor, giving it a unique, smoky aroma. I’ll show you a simple way to recreate that smokiness at home using charcoal, so you can enjoy the authentic taste.
This recipe is perfect for gatherings and pairs well with various sides, making it a memorable centerpiece for any meal.
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Arabian Chicken Mandi
Experience the rich flavors of Arabian cuisine with Chicken Mandi, a traditional Yemeni dish. This recipe combines tender chicken and aromatic spiced rice, making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, or gatherings where you want a memorable meal.
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Ingredients
To Marinate Chicken
- 4 Chicken Leg, slited
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp Cumin Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 2 tbsp Curd, yogurt
- ½ tsp Garam Masala
- ½ tsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt, as needed
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
To Prepare Rice
- 1 cup Basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 1 Tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp Ginger, grated
- 3 Garlic cloves
- 3 Green chili
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 5 Cardamom
- 1 Cinnamon stick, a small piece
- 1 Bay leaves
- 3 cloves
- ¼ tsp Garam Masala, you can also substitute with biryani masala
- 1 tsp Cashews and raisins
- Salt, as needed
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tbsp Olive oil, or butter, or ghee
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
- 1 Barbecue Charcoal Briquette
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients until they’re well blended. This marinade gives Chicken Mandi its signature flavor, so make sure to mix it thoroughly.
- Rub the marinade generously over the chicken legs, making sure each piece is fully coated. For deeper flavor, try gently lifting the skin and applying the marinade underneath. Let the chicken rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. If you have extra time, marinating for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator will make the flavors even richer.
- Lightly grease an oven tray with oil to prevent sticking. For easier cleanup, you can also line the tray with parchment paper.
- Place the marinated chicken legs on the prepared tray and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes. About halfway through, you can baste the chicken with any leftover marinade or juices on the tray to keep it moist. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This short resting period helps retain the juices, so each bite is tender and flavorful. Now, your chicken is perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy!
Preparing the Rice
- Blend the onion, tomato, garlic, ginger, and green chili until you get a smooth paste. Set this aside; it’s the base that will add depth to the rice’s flavor.
- In a large pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves, and a chicken bouillon cube. Sauté the spices for a couple of minutes until they’re fragrant.
- Stir in the blended paste along with chili powder and garam masala powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the raw smell disappears—about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickens slightly and deepens in color.
- Add the soaked basmati rice, water, and salt. Gently stir to mix, and bring the mixture to a boil. Soaking the rice beforehand helps it cook evenly, so don’t skip this step if possible.
- Let the rice cook until it’s about 70% done—you’ll see bubbles forming, and the grains should feel firm but break with slight pressure. This step is key for fluffy rice, so keep an eye on it.
- Once the rice reaches this stage, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes. This gentle steaming helps the rice absorb the remaining flavors. While it’s cooking, fry the cashews and raisins in a bit of oil or ghee until golden, then set them aside.
- Remove the rice from heat, and layer the oven-grilled chicken legs on top. Garnish with the fried cashews and raisins for added texture and flavor.
- For a smoky flavor, carefully heat a small piece of charcoal with tongs in fire until it’s red-hot. Place it in a small, heatproof cup, and pour a teaspoon of oil over it to create smoke.
- Quickly set the cup inside the rice pan, then cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes to allow the smoky aroma to infuse into the mandi rice. Carefully uncover the pan. Now, your delicious Chicken Mandi is ready to be enjoyed!
Serving
- Serve this delicious dish hot, along with your favorite sides or a refreshing veggie salad to complete the meal. For more pairing ideas, check out the dedicated Serving Suggestions section below.
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Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some helpful tips for making perfect Arabian Chicken Mandi at home:
- Quality of Rice: Aged basmati rice is ideal for Chicken Mandi due to its long grains and rich aroma. Look for packages labeled “aged,” as this type of rice holds its shape better when cooked and delivers a fluffier texture. You can find aged basmati at most Asian or Indian grocery stores, and it’s worth the effort for authentic results.
- Balancing Spices: Spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon are quite potent, so stick closely to the measurements to keep the flavors balanced. If you’re new to these spices, start with a light hand—you can always add a bit more next time if you prefer stronger flavors.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: For even cooking, try to keep chicken pieces similar in size. Uniform pieces will cook at the same rate, making each bite tender and juicy. If you’re using a mix of cuts (like drumsticks and thighs), keep in mind that smaller pieces may cook faster, so you might need to remove them a bit earlier.
- Monitoring the Rice: As you cook the rice to about 70% done, watch for bubbles forming around the edges—this signals that it’s nearly ready. The rice grains should feel slightly firm but break when gently pressed. Avoid overcooking the rice, as it will finish cooking with the lid on over low heat, resulting in a light, fluffy texture.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Chicken Mandi is typically mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat level by adding or reducing chili powder. A few slices of fresh green chili added during cooking can give the dish an extra kick if you enjoy a bit more spice.
- Creating the Smoky Flavor: Adding a smoky aroma with hot charcoal gives Chicken Mandi its authentic touch. Use tongs to carefully handle the charcoal until it’s red-hot. Place it in a small heatproof cup, add a bit of oil to create smoke, and quickly set it in the rice pan. Cover tightly for just 5-7 minutes; this is enough to infuse flavor without making it too intense.
- Resting Time: After infusing the smoky flavor, let the dish rest, covered, for a few minutes. This brief resting period allows the flavors to settle and blend, giving a more cohesive taste in every bite.
- Garnishing: Top your Chicken Mandi with fried nuts like cashews and almonds and plump raisins for added texture and a touch of sweetness. For a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped coriander or mint leaves over the top before serving.
- Experiment and Enjoy: Feel free to tweak the spices, adjust the marination time, or try different garnishes. Cooking is all about making the dish your own, so enjoy the process and the delicious result!
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 744kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 671mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 901IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3mg
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.
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Serving Suggestions
Chicken Mandi pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that bring out its flavors even more. Here are some of my favorite pairings you might like:
- Raita: You can add a cooling yogurt-based raita with cucumber or mint. It’s a refreshing contrast to the spices in Chicken Mandi.
- Salads: A fresh salad like Fattoush or Tabbouleh pairs nicely, adding a crisp, bright touch to your plate.
- Grilled Vegetables: You could try char-grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. They add a smoky flavor that complements the chicken.
- Hummus: This creamy dip with pita bread makes a classic side or starter. It’s simple yet always a hit!
- Pickles: A small selection of pickled cucumbers, carrots, or olives brings a tangy, refreshing balance to the meal.
- Lentil Soup: Starting with a warm bowl of lentil soup can make the meal feel extra comforting and hearty.
- Bread: Middle Eastern flatbread, like Khubz, is perfect for scooping up the rice and sauce.
- Desserts: For a sweet finish, you can serve Baklava or Kunafa. These syrupy treats add a delicious end to the meal.
Storage Suggestions
While Chicken Mandi is best enjoyed fresh, here are some handy tips if you’d like to store any leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Mandi in an airtight container and refrigerate it once it has cooled to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation inside the container.
- Separate Ingredients: If possible, try to separate the chicken and rice before storing. This makes it easier to reheat them individually later.
- Use within 2-3 Days: It’s best to enjoy the leftovers within 2-3 days to keep them tasting fresh. After that, the flavors may start to fade.
- Reheating: When reheating, try a microwave for smaller portions or a stovetop pan for larger ones. Adding a little water to the rice helps keep it from drying out.
- Freezing (Optional): If you’d like to store Chicken Mandi longer, freezing works too! Place the cooled dish in an airtight, freezer-safe container, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing Frozen Chicken Mandi: To thaw, just move it to the fridge the night before you plan to reheat. This slower thawing helps keep the texture and flavor.
- Reheat Thoroughly: When reheating frozen Chicken Mandi, make sure it’s heated all the way through, so that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as recommended by the FDA.
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