T'beet
Iraqi Chicken and Rice Bake
T'beet is a comforting and aromatic one-pot Iraqi dish where chicken and rice are baked together with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The result is tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice infused with spices, often with a slightly crispy rice layer at the bottom.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4-5 medium Campari tomatoes(sliced)
- 1 medium Red onion(sliced)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(for chicken and vegetables)
- 1 Whole chicken(spatchcocked or cut into pieces)
- 2 cups Basmati rice(rinsed and drained)
- 2 tsp Baharat spice blend
- 1 tsp Sumac
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Date syrup(or maple syrup)
- 4 cups Boiling water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2
In a large oven-safe deep pan or Dutch oven, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange the sliced tomatoes and red onion on the bottom, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
- 3
In a separate bowl, combine the rinsed basmati rice, baharat, sumac, cumin, black pepper, tomato paste, minced garlic, date syrup, and 4 cups of boiling water. Stir well to create the sauce.
- 4
Pour the rice and sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the pan. Ensure the rice is mostly submerged.
- 5
Cover the pan tightly with a layer of wet parchment paper, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This traps the steam and ensures even cooking.
- 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- 7
Remove the parchment paper and aluminum foil. Transfer the pan to the broiler for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and the top layer of rice is slightly crispy.
- 8
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving directly from the pan.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a spatchcocked chicken ensures more even cooking.
- ✓If you don't have date syrup, maple syrup or honey can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water based on your rice and desired consistency.
- ✓The parchment paper and foil are crucial for steaming the rice and chicken.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken.
- Add other vegetables like sliced potatoes or carrots to the base layer.