Mandi Rice with Chicken
warm fusion of Yemeni mandi rice and Arabian kabsa rice chicken
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs, skin on 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg)
- 3 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or ghee
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- A pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
- Optional: chopped parsley or mint for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the ChickenPreheat oven to 400°F (200°C).Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or ghee over medium-high.Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear 6–8 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 4 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the AromaticsReduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the SpicesStir in cumin, turmeric, paprika, cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaves. Let the spices bloom for about a minute.
- Build the BaseAdd sweet potato cubes. Stir for 2 minutes.Return chicken to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add the RiceRemove the pot from the oven. Lift the chicken out temporarily.Stir the rinsed rice into the hot broth mixture. Add raisins and half the almonds.Nestle the chicken on top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Finish & ServeDrizzle saffron milk over the top. Cover, let rest 10 minutes off heat.Fluff rice gently, discard whole spices if you prefer.Serve on a large platter, garnish with remaining almonds and herbs.
Video
Notes
Optional Nutrition Snapshot
Approx. per serving: 550 cal | 28 g protein | 18 g fat | 62 g carbs This video walks through making a classic chicken mandi rice dish — it’s complementary to, but not the exact same recipe as ours, so viewers still benefit from your unique version.
Approx. per serving: 550 cal | 28 g protein | 18 g fat | 62 g carbs This video walks through making a classic chicken mandi rice dish — it’s complementary to, but not the exact same recipe as ours, so viewers still benefit from your unique version.