Arabian Chicken Kabsa - Machboos

Arabian Chicken Kabsa, also known as Machboos, is a deliciously authentic dish that's popular across the Gulf countries and enjoyed throughout the Middle East.

This fragrant chicken and rice dish comes in various versions and traditionally includes rice (often basmati), onions, tomatoes, and a blend of 'kabsa' spices.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works?
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make Chicken Kabsa - Machboos?
• Top Tips From the Chef
• What to Serve with Chicken Machboos?
• Storage and Reheating
• Recipe FAQs
• Related Recipes
• Arabian Chicken Kabsa - Machboos

Machboos or Kabsa is quite similar to Biryani.

Although both dishes use aromatic spices, rice, and meat, their unique flavors come from different regional influences and cooking methods.

The word 'Kabsa' is derived from the Arabic verb "kabasa" (كبس), which means to press or squeeze.

The name reflects the unique cooking technique used in preparing the dish, where ingredients are pressed or squeezed into one pot during the cooking process.

Why This Recipe Works?

• The delightful combination of aromatic 'kabsa' spices, such as black lime, cloves, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, and bay leaves, gives a distinctive flavor to this one-pot chicken and rice dish.

• Despite its long list of ingredients, making Machboos is quite simple and straightforward.

• This recipe is versatile. You can replace chicken with goat, lamb, camel, beef, fish, or shrimp.

• Aromatic rice and tender chicken create a delicious and authentic Middle Eastern dish that the whole family will enjoy.

• The one-pot cooking method allows chicken and rice to infuse and complement each other.

Ingredients You'll Need

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

• Chicken - For this recipe, I opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters for added flavor. Pat them dry with a paper towel before browning—there's no need to rinse. Drumsticks, thighs, or a combination of both also work well.

• Onions - Feel free to use diced or sliced brown, yellow, or white onions. Shallots also make an excellent choice.

• Dried limes (limoo amani) - They are one of the key ingredients for the Kabsa dish and give its distinctive flavor. You can buy them from Middle Eastern shops or online from Amazon.

• Tomato + tomato paste - They add a vibrant red color as well as an umami taste to the dish. Opt for the tastiest tomatoes for the best result. Tomato paste is available at Middle Eastern shops or online on Amazon .

• Whole spices - I use a mixture of bay leaves, cardamom, and cinnamon sticks. You can add other spices to the list such as black peppercorns or cloves if you have them in hand.

• Spices - I blend Baharat, turmeric, allspice, ground black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon for this recipe. Alternatively, you can buy a kabsa spice blend if you prefer.

• Basmati - Choose good quality long-grain basmati rice from a well-known brand for the best results. You can buy it from supermarkets or Indian shops as well as online from Amazon.

How to Make Chicken Kabsa - Machboos?

Making this authentic Middle Eastern delight 'Chicken Kabsa - Machboos' Recipe is very easy and straightforward.

However, to achieve the best results you need to follow a few simple steps:

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. 

Brown the chicken leg quarters on all sides. Remove and set them aside on a plate.

In the same pot, add ghee and sauté diced onions until golden brown.

Stir in baharat, turmeric, cinnamon powder, allspice, black pepper, salt, cloves, dried limes, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and bay leaves.

Cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

Add chili, fresh ginger, and garlic, tomato paste and diced tomatoes.

Stir well and cook until the tomatoes break down.

Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 45 minutes.

Soak the basmati rice in cold water while the chicken is cooking.

After cooking the chicken for 45 minutes, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add it to the pot, stirring gently.

Cover and simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving, just like you would do other rice dishes such as Zereshk Polo Morgh (Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken) and Maqluba (Makloubeh) - Upside down Rice Dish.

Remove the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and dried limes, and transfer the rice and chicken pieces to a serving plate.

You have the option to mix the chicken pieces with the rice or place the chicken on top of the rice.

Garnish with chopped parsley or coriander and pine nuts.

Top Tips From the Chef

• Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters for extra flavor. Drumsticks, thighs, or a mix of both work well too.

• Brown the chicken before cooking to enhance its flavor.

• Rinse the rice under cold running water until it runs clear. Washing the rice will prevent them from sticking together and make them fluffy and flakey.

• Use the exact rice-to-water ratios as stated in the recipe. If using rice other than basmati, follow the instructions on the packaging for rice-to-water ratios.

• Let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Chicken Machboos?

Serve Chicken Machboos with traditional Middle Eastern accompaniments such as Cacik (Turkish Yogurt Dip), Persian Shirazi Salad, or Mutabal (Roasted Eggplant Dip).

This aromatic dish also pair perfectly with a refreshing Ayran (Turkish Yogurt Drink) or Mango Salad with Avocado and Cucumber to complement the rich and savory flavors.

Storage and Reheating

You can store leftover Chicken Machboos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months.

To freeze, let it cool completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and ensure it is well-sealed.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat before serving by microwaving or gently warming on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

Recipe FAQs

Related Recipes

For more delicious authentic meat and rice dishes why not try:

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

I hope you enjoy the process of making this delightful and aromatic dish 'Arabian Chicken Kabsa - Machboos' as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂

Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!