Learn how to make the perfect, traditional Arabic Chicken Mandi at home with this quick and easy recipe. This flavorful dish combines smoky, tender chicken with aromatic, perfectly cooked Basmati rice for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

For Rice

• 3 cups 1121 Steam Basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
• 2 tbsp oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 green chilies (optional)
• 1 tsp whole cumin
• 4 green cardamoms
• 2 cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• Salt to taste
• 4½ cups chicken stock or water
• For Smoke (Optional but Traditional)
• Small piece of charcoal
• 1 tsp oil or ghee

For Chicken

• 1 whole chicken (cut into halves)
• 2 tbsp mandi spice mix (or substitute below)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil or butter
• Mandi Spice Mix (if making at home)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• ½ tsp black peppercorns
• 4 green cardamoms
• 4 cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf

Method

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Mix mandi spice, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, and oil.

Rub evenly over the chicken. Rest for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Cook Rice

Heat oil or butter in a heavy pot. Add onion and sauté until soft.

Add garlic, whole spices, and green chilies.

Add stock, salt, and bring to a boil.

Add soaked rice, cover, and cook on low heat until rice is fluffy and fully cooked.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Grill, roast, or bake the marinated chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 35–40 minutes until tender and lightly charred.

Step 4: Smoke (Dum)

Place hot charcoal in a small bowl over the rice.

Drizzle oil on charcoal, cover immediately, and let smoke infuse for 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Arabic Chicken Mandi

This traditional Arabic Chicken Mandi is best served hot with a side of fresh Arabic salad, spicy tomato sauce (Sahawek), and a drizzle of garlic yogurt dip. For an authentic experience, arrange the smoky, tender chicken right on top of the large platter of aromatic rice. Garnish your Arabic Chicken Mandi with generous amounts of fried onions, toasted almonds, and raisins. Sharing this flavorful Arabic Chicken Mandi recipe with family during weekend gatherings makes the meal truly special.

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