Looking to explore bold Middle Eastern flavors at home? This Chicken Mandi is a delicious, aromatic rice and chicken dish that brings the taste of traditional Yemeni cuisine right to your kitchen.
Made with tender, spiced chicken, long-grain basmati rice, and a smoky, fragrant blend of spices, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both comforting and exotic.
Simple Chicken Mandi
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.2-1.5 kg), skin on
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- Salt to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain basmati rice (soaked 20–30 mins, drained)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
Optional for Smoky Flavor:
- A small piece of charcoal
- 1 tsp ghee or oil
- Small foil cup or onion peel
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