Yemeni Chicken Mouhshi Rice
A flavorful Yemeni rice dish where chicken is stuffed with a spiced rice and herb mixture, then baked or cooked until tender. This dish showcases the rich culinary heritage of Yemen, with aromatic spices and tender chicken.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken(cleaned)
- 2 cups Basmati rice(rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 0.5 cup Fresh coriander(chopped)
- 0.5 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 0.25 cup Vegetable oil
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 4 pods Cardamom pods
- 1 stick Cinnamon stick
- 4 whole Cloves
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the stuffing: In a bowl, combine the soaked and drained rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped coriander, chopped parsley, vegetable oil, turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. - 2
Stuff the chicken: Carefully open the cavity of the chicken and generously stuff it with the prepared rice mixture. You can use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed.
💡 Tip: Do not overstuff the chicken, as the rice will expand. - 3
Sear the chicken: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken on all sides until golden brown.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Add aromatics and liquid: Add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid level is about halfway up the chicken. - 5
Bake the chicken: Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the rice is fully cooked.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes💡 Tip: Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the thigh; juices should run clear. - 6
Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve the chicken with the flavorful rice from the pot.
⏱️ 15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken with some spices and lemon juice for an hour before stuffing.
- ✓If the rice seems too dry during cooking, you can add a little more hot chicken broth.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked to avoid any food safety issues.
🔄 Variations
- Add some raisins or slivered almonds to the rice stuffing for added texture and sweetness.
- Use lamb instead of chicken for a richer flavor profile.