Chicken Mandi Recipe
Chicken Mandi is a flavorful, aromatic dish that originates from Yemen and is loved throughout the Middle East. This dish combines tender, smoky chicken with spicy rice, creating a perfect balance of rich flavors.
Known for its cultural significance, Chicken Mandi is a symbol of hospitality and is often served during celebrations, feasts, and family gatherings.
Key features of this dish include:
Tender, Smoky Chicken
Marinated with spices and traditionally cooked in an underground clay oven called a tabun, the chicken absorbs smoky flavors, making it tender and flavorful.
Fragrant, Spiced Rice
The rice is cooked with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, which absorb the delicious juices of the chicken and give it a unique flavor.
Why Chicken Mandi Stands Out
Chicken Mandi is simple yet elegant, offering the perfect balance of smoky and spicy flavors. A versatile dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion, it is a great choice for any gathering. Whether enjoyed at a family meal or at a grand event, it is a culinary experience not to be missed.
Homemade Chicken Mandi Recipe:
Chicken Mandi is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines spicy rice and tender, smoky chicken. Traditionally made in an underground clay oven, this recipe provides an easy way to recreate the authentic flavors of Chicken Mandi at home.
Whether you have a stove or an oven, this recipe will give you the taste of this Yemeni favorite with ease.
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade:
1 whole chicken (cut into quarters)
2 tablespoons yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground paprika
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 lemon juice
For the rice:
2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
4 cups chicken broth or water
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
2 cinnamon sticks
3 cardamom pods
4 cloves
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
For smoky flavor:
1 piece of charcoal
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt. Rub the marinade all over the chicken pieces, making sure they are well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.
- Prepare the rice
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves) and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the soaked rice, turmeric powder, and salt, and cook for 2-3 minutes, so the rice absorbs the spices.
Add the chicken stock or water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender and fluffy, about 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill.
Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken until it is browned and cooked through.
- Add the smoky flavor
Once the rice and chicken are ready, you can add the smoky flavor to mimic a traditional banh mi (underground clay oven).
Heat a small piece of charcoal on the stove or grill until it is red hot.
Place the charcoal in a small, heatproof bowl or piece of foil and place it between the rice and chicken.
Drizzle a little oil over the hot charcoal and quickly cover the dish with a lid or foil to trap the smoke. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve
Serve the chicken over the rice on a large plate.
Garnish with fried onions, toasted almonds, raisins, or fresh cayenne pepper for extra flavor and color.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Mandi
Marinate the chicken thoroughly
For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight. The longer it marinates, the more spices will penetrate the meat.
Use quality rice
Basmati rice is key to chicken mandi, as it absorbs spices beautifully and has a fragrant, long-grain texture.
Smoke
A smoky flavor is crucial to chicken mandi. Even if you don’t have a traditional tabbouleh oven, the charcoal infusion technique enhances that essential smokiness.
Serve family style
Mandi is traditionally served on a large communal platter, which encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy it together.
Enjoy your homemade chicken mandi
Chicken mandi is a great meal for family gatherings, special occasions, or when you want to try something new and exciting in your kitchen. With its rich spices, tender chicken, and fragrant rice, this dish will take your taste buds on a journey to Yemen.