Chicken Kabsa Recipe - How to Cook Traditional Majboos Chicken
Chicken Kabsa, also known as Majboos, is a popular rice and chicken dish beloved across the Arabian Gulf, including countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. The name "Majboos" or "Kabsa" refers to the Arabic term for “compressed,” indicating the way the ingredients are cooked together to blend flavors. Although each family may have its own variation, the core ingredients and techniques remain consistent, offering an irresistible combination of tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and aromatic spices.
This dish is not only celebrated in the Gulf but also enjoyed by visitors to Iraq. Iraqi households frequently prepare their own take on this dish, using fresh spices and serving it with yogurt and salads. If you plan to visit Iraq or are interested in trying local Iraqi food, learning how to prepare Chicken Kabsa at home is an excellent way to connect with the region's culinary traditions.
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Ingredients Required for Chicken Kabsa
Creating the perfect Chicken Kabsa requires carefully selected ingredients, especially fragrant spices. Below is a list of the key ingredients you need to prepare this dish:
1. Chicken
You can use whole chicken cut into pieces or chicken thighs and legs. Using bone-in pieces enhances the flavor of the dish.
2. Basmati Rice
Long-grain basmati rice is the best option. It absorbs the spices and flavors while maintaining a fluffy texture.
3. Onions and Garlic
Finely chopped onions and garlic dissolve in the sauce, giving the dish a savory base.
4. Tomato Paste and Tomato Juice
These ingredients provide a rich red color to the rice and add tangy notes to the overall flavor.
5. Whole Spices
Bay leaves
Cardamom pods
Cinnamon sticks
Dried limes (Loomi)
Dried lime is a must for an authentic Kabsa flavor. Poking a hole in the dried lime allows its essence to infuse into the dish.
6. Ground Spices
Salt and black pepper
Ground cardamom
Ground cinnamon
These spices complement the whole spices and give the dish a robust aroma.
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How to Prepare Chicken Kabsa (Majboos Chicken)
Step 1: Fry the Onions and Garlic
Start by heating oil in a large pot.
Add the finely chopped onions and garlic, stirring occasionally until they turn soft and translucent.
This step is crucial for building the base flavor of the dish.
Step 2: Add the Whole Spices
Toss in the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods.
Poke a small hole in the dried lime and add it to the pot to release its citrusy essence.
Stir everything together for a minute to activate the aroma of the spices.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Tomato Juice
Mix in the tomato paste and sauté it for one minute.
Pour in the tomato juice, followed by the ground spices (salt, black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon).
Add a cup of water and stir to combine the ingredients.
The tomato-based sauce gives the dish its distinct reddish color and enhances the taste of the rice.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken in the Sauce
Add the chicken pieces to the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes.
During this time, the chicken absorbs the spices while releasing its juices into the sauce.
Step 5: Remove and Fry the Chicken
After 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
In a separate pan, fry the chicken pieces until golden brown.
Frying the chicken gives it a crispy texture, adding contrast to the softness of the rice.
Step 6: Strain the Broth
Strain the remaining broth to remove the whole spices, ensuring the liquid is smooth.
Set the broth aside; it will be used to cook the rice.
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Cooking the Basmati Rice
Step 7: Cook the Rice with Broth
In the same pot, pour the strained broth.
Add the basmati rice and top it with water if needed.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Basmati rice needs enough liquid to cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Step 8: Simmer the Rice
Once the broth starts boiling, reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and let the rice cook for 20-25 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
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Toasting Almonds and Raisins
Step 9: Prepare the Garnish
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan.
Add the almonds and raisins, stirring until they turn golden brown.
Toasted almonds and raisins provide a delightful crunch and sweetness, balancing the dish’s savory elements.
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Serving Chicken Kabsa
Step 10: Assemble the Dish
Spread the cooked rice onto a large serving platter.
Place the fried chicken pieces on top of the rice.
Sprinkle the toasted almonds and raisins over the dish.
For a complete meal, serve the Kabsa with yogurt and a side salad. Many people enjoy adding a spoonful of yogurt on top of the rice to complement the spices.
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Why Chicken Kabsa is a Must-Try Dish in Iraq
Although Chicken Kabsa is primarily known as a Gulf dish, it has become popular in Iraqi households, especially during family gatherings and festive occasions. Its versatility makes it a favorite for travelers visiting Iraq, where locals prepare it with a unique twist by adding regional spices and ingredients. If you are exploring Iraq’s culinary landscape, trying Kabsa at a local restaurant or sharing it with an Iraqi family is an experience you don’t want to miss.