Authentic Saudi Arabian Chicken Kabse Recipe

Authentic Saudi Arabian Chicken recipe — kabse. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Saudi Arabian Chicken Kabse Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon kabsa spice mix (or a mix of cumin, coriander, and cardamom)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Prepare the Chicken

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

    Ensure the oil is hot enough to avoid soggy onions.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices

    Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and kabsa spice mix. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

    Keep stirring to prevent burning.
  3. Cook the Chicken

    Add chicken pieces to the pot and brown on all sides. Then, add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened.

    Ensure the chicken is well coated with the spices.
  4. Add Water and Cook

    Pour in the water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

    Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
  5. Add Rice

    Stir in the soaked basmati rice, cover, and cook for another 20 minutes until rice is tender.

    Do not lift the lid while cooking to retain steam.
  6. Final Touches

    Add raisins and carrots, fluff the rice with a fork, and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

    Serve with a side of salad for a complete meal.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality basmati rice for the best texture. Adjust the spice level to your preference. Let the kabse rest before serving for better flavor absorption.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your international meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Authentic Saudi Arabian Chicken Kabse Recipe is a beloved dish from International cuisine.

International cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 13 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute chicken with lamb or beef for a different flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories650kcal
Total Fat20gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates80gg
Dietary Fiber3gg
Total Sugars5gg
Protein40gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CategoryDinner