Omani Spiced Chicken with Fragrant Rice

Ingredients

• For the spiced chicken: For the spiced chicken:
• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons Omani spice blend (a mix of turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and black pepper) 2 tablespoons Omani spice blend (a mix of turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and black pepper)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• For the fragrant rice: For the fragrant rice:
• 1 cup basmati rice 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1 tablespoon rosewater 1 tablespoon rosewater
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the Omani spice blend, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt. Mix well to form a paste.
2. 2.
   Rub the spice paste all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
5. 5.
   Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
6. 6.
   While the chicken is baking, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
7. 7.
   In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
8. 8.
   Add the drained rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains with the caramelized onions and butter.
9. 9.
   Pour in 1 3/4 cups of water, along with the soaked saffron threads and their water. Season with salt to taste.
10. 10.
    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
11. 11.
    Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and drizzle the rosewater over the top.
12. 12.
    Serve the spiced chicken alongside the fragrant rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — Soak the saffron threads in warm water for at least 10 minutes before using to release their vibrant color and aroma.
• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains when cooked.
• Omani spice blend — You can either purchase a pre-made Omani spice blend or make your own by combining equal parts ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and black pepper.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the spiced chicken before serving.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of black pepper in the Omani spice blend.
• To make the dish more festive, garnish with toasted almond slices and pomegranate arils.
• For a complete meal, serve the Omani Spiced Chicken with a side of traditional Omani flatbread.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Omani Spiced Chicken with Fragrant Rice as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma of the dish make it a showstopper at any dinner table.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fragrant rice on a platter, topped with the beautifully spiced chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to add a pop of color. Serve alongside a bowl of extra Omani spice blend for those who desire an extra kick of flavor.