Lebanese Spiced Chicken and Rice Recipe
2 cups Basmati Rice
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Allspice
1/4 tsp Ground Clove
1/2 cup Sultana Raisins
1 tbsp Sunflower Oil or Butter
1 1/2 tsp Salt
3 cups Water or Stock
In a medium-sized stockpot, heat the oil or melt the butter on medium heat. Then, add the Basmati Rice and stir until you feel like you coated the rice with the fat. Once the grains of rice are fully coated, add the spices and raisins, and mix them well. Pour the cold water or broth onto the rice mix, and bring it to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, place the lid on the pot and lower the heat to low. Let the rice simmer covered for 20 minutes. Remove the rice off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes covered before fluffing it gently with a fork. This Lebanese-style rice pilaf is great paired with roasted chicken or lamb. You can even add minced beef to the mix.
Toasted Nuts
1/4 cup Pine Nuts
1/4 cup Slivered Almonds
1 tbsp Butter
Melt the butter in a pan and add the almonds to it. Once the almond starts getting slightly golden, add the pine nuts and toast them until both the almonds and pine nuts are medium amber colour. Remove off the heat and garnish your rice with the toasted nuts and brown butter.
Mama’s Spiced Chicken
4 Chicken Breasts, deboned
1 Cinnamon Stick
2 Cardamom Pods
1 Bay Leaf
2 tbsp Sunflower Oil
1/2 cup Water or Stock
In a saucepan, heat the sunflower oil and sear the chicken breasts on both sides. Once both sides of the chicken breasts golden brown, add the spices and deglazed the pan with the water or stock. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Once you’re ready to serve the chicken, remove the lid and raise the heat. Allow the remaining liquid to reduce fully. Pull the chicken breasts and use them as a garnish for your spiced rice. I sometimes prepare this Lebanese spiced chicken and rice recipe during the holidays as a substitute for roasted turkey and stuffing.
Try this Lebanese spiced chicken and rice recipe with a side of greek yogourt. Trust me it’s a game-changer!
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