kabse
Few chicken recipes are as satisfying as a well-made kabse. The star here is chicken, supported by a short list of everyday ingredients. It sits firmly in the Saudi Arabian tradition, so expect the flavours you would get from a good home kitchen there. Read through the tips before you start — a couple of small details go a long way with this one.
- Level Medium
Ingredients
- 400 g Chicken
- 1 cup Rice
- 1 Green Pepper
- 1 Red Pepper
- 2 Mushrooms
- 1 Sweetcorn
- 2 Carrots
- Handful Raisins
- 1 tsp Ground Turmeric
- 1 tsp Kabse Spice
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Method
- Caramelize the chicken with olive oil then add a maggi cube and boil it for around 30 minutes.
- In another pot, add all the veggies and caramelize them till they are soft.
- Once everything is done, add the rice, raisins & spices to the veggies and add 2 and a half cups of water for the rice to cook.
- Once the rice is done put everything in the oven.
Tips for the best kabse
- Preheat the oven fully before anything goes in — a cold start changes the texture.
- Read the whole method before you start and measure out the 12 ingredients first — it keeps the pace relaxed once the heat is on.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
- Let the chicken come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
Variations
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
- Individual portions: divide into ramekins or a muffin tin and reduce the baking time by about a third.
- Fusion twist: keep the method but swap the spices for your own favourites — the Saudi Arabian base takes well to it.
Serving ideas
Finish with fresh herbs and serve family-style in the middle of the table.
Storage
Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make kabse ahead of time?
Yes. It actually improves after a few hours, so make it earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving.
What can I substitute for chicken?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
Is this kabse recipe medium to make?
It is rated medium: 12 ingredients and 4 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
Recipe data via TheMealDB — source




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