Let me share one of my favorite Middle Eastern dishes—Chicken and Rice. This one-pot meal is packed with mild spices, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned basmati rice. It’s a simple, comforting recipe that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. You'll love how easily it comes together, bringing delicious, homemade flavors to your table without much effort.
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
- 2 Gree Cardamom
- 1 Black Cardamom
- 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
Making Middle Eastern Chicken Rice
- Begin by grinding the ingredients listed under dry spice powder until smooth. This step helps bring out the rich flavors of the spices, so make sure to grind them fine for even distribution.
- Marinate the chicken with half of the dry spice powder, sumac, chili, and coriander powders, 1 tsp of ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
- While the chicken is marinating, rinse the basmati rice well to remove excess starch. Soaking it for 15 minutes helps the rice cook more evenly and gives it a fluffier texture.
- Heat your preferred cooking oil in a wide pan. Fry the marinated chicken until golden brown on both sides, but only cook it about 70% through. This keeps the chicken tender as it will finish cooking along with the rice. Once done, set the chicken aside for later.
- In the same pan, add cumin, cardamom, bay leaves, and sliced onions. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent. The onions should not brown too much, as they form the aromatic base of the dish.
- Add in 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste, the remaining dry spice powder, and a pinch of turmeric. Sauté until the raw smell disappears and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Drain the soaked basmati rice and gently add it to the pan. Stir to coat the rice evenly with the flavorful spices. Pour in water and season with salt to taste. Cook the rice on medium heat until it begins to bubble, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Nestle the partially cooked chicken into the rice, making sure it's evenly spread out. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low-medium. Let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows the chicken to finish cooking while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- To add extra richness, fry cashews and raisins in ghee or oil until golden. Sprinkle them, along with crispy fried onions, over the finished dish for a delicious touch of sweetness and crunch. Your Middle Eastern Chicken Rice is now ready to enjoy.
Serving
- Enjoy this Middle Eastern Chicken Rice with a side of refreshing raita, made from yogurt and cucumber. This cool, tangy accompaniment pairs perfectly with the aromatic flavors of the chicken and rice. For more pairing ideas, check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
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.
Serving Suggestions
Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice is great on its own, but adding a few sides can really complete the meal. Here are some simple ideas that go perfectly with the rice:
- Cucumber Salad: The cool, creamy yogurt and fresh cucumber really balance out the warm spices in the rice.
- Hummus: This smooth, rich dip goes perfectly with the seasoned rice.
- Tabbouleh: The fresh, tangy flavors of tabbouleh bring a nice contrast to the hearty rice.
- Flatbread or Pita: Use warm bread to scoop up the rice and chicken—it’s a simple and satisfying way to enjoy the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted eggplant or zucchini adds extra flavor and texture to the rice.
- Tahini Sauce: A little drizzle of tahini gives the rice a rich, nutty taste.
- Greek Salad: Crisp veggies and salty feta bring a refreshing crunch that pairs nicely with the rice.
- Lentil Soup: A warm, hearty lentil soup adds extra protein and pairs well with the spiced rice for a balanced meal.
Storage Suggestions
While I always prefer enjoying it fresh, 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 have it again, reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven. If the rice feels a bit dry, add a small amount of water or broth to retain its moisture. Reheating slowly on low heat will keep the chicken tender and the rice fluffy, so it tastes almost as good as when you first made it.
Leave a Review