Introduction
Qidrah Chicken, also known as “Qidrah Khaliliya,” is a renowned traditional dish originating from the city of Hebron in Palestine. This meal is famous for its rich, spiced rice, garnished with slow-cooked chicken, garlic, and chickpeas. A hallmark of festive gatherings, Qidrah is enjoyed for its mouthwatering flavors and its significance in communal and family events. The chicken is baked to perfection and then served on a bed of fragrant basmati rice, making it a beloved dish across the Levant and Arabian Gulf.
Time
- Total preparation time: 3 hours
- Cooking time: 2.5 hours
Needed Equipment
- Large cooking pot
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Stirring spoon
- Frying pan
- Ladle
Tags
- #Traditional
- #MiddleEasternCuisine
- #PalestinianFood
- #ComfortFood
- #FamilyGathering
Serving Size
- Serves: 6-8 people
Difficulty Level
- Intermediate
Allergen Information
- Contains: Nuts (if using almonds or cashews for garnish)
- May contain: Gluten (check the stock used)
- Dairy-free
Dietary Preference
- Non-vegetarian
- Can be made gluten-free by ensuring gluten-free broth
Course
- Main Course
Cuisine
- Middle Eastern
- Palestinian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole chickens (cut into pieces) | 3 |
| Basmati rice | 6 cups |
| Cooked chickpeas | 1 cup |
| Garlic cloves (whole) | 15 |
| Onions (finely chopped) | 2 medium |
| Cinnamon powder | 1 tbsp |
| Ground allspice | 1 tsp |
| Green cardamom | 1 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Ground turmeric | 2 tsp |
| Chicken broth | 9 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Chicken stock cube | 1 cube |
For Chicken Marination
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion (sliced) | 1 |
| Ground sweet spice | 2 tsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
For Garnish
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fried almonds or cashews | ½ cup |
| Fried vermicelli | Optional |
| Oil | ½ cup |
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Add salt and sliced onions and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked, approximately 45 minutes. Remove the chicken from the broth and reserve the broth for later use. - Marinate and Roast the Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Marinate the cooked chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, sweet spice, paprika, and black pepper. Place the chicken in a baking dish and roast in the oven until golden brown and crispy, about 25 minutes. - Sauté the Garlic and Onions:
Heat oil in a pot and add finely chopped onions and whole garlic cloves. Stir until the onions turn golden brown and aromatic. - Add Chickpeas and Spices:
Stir in the chickpeas, followed by the cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, cardamom, and turmeric. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors. - Add Broth and Rice:
Pour in the reserved chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Season with salt and add a chicken stock cube for additional flavor. Stir in the basmati rice, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the broth. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat until the rice is cooked and fluffy, approximately 20-25 minutes. - Serve:
Spoon the rice onto a large serving platter, arrange the roasted chicken pieces on top, and garnish with fried almonds or cashews.
Preparation Tips
- Soak the basmati rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure fluffier grains.
- For extra flavor, you can add a bit of saffron to the chicken broth.
- Ensure the garlic is cooked thoroughly to release its sweet and mild flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 780 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 82 g |
| Fats | 32 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1300 mg |
Tips and Tricks
- Roasting the chicken separately ensures it stays crispy and flavorful.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less black pepper, depending on your taste.
Add-ons
- Serve with a side of Middle Eastern salads like Fattoush or Tabbouleh.
- A bowl of plain yogurt complements the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
- Grilled vegetables
- Pita bread with hummus
Improvements
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer flavor profile.
- Top with fried vermicelli for added texture.
Save and Store
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
FAQ
- Can I use lamb instead of chicken?
Yes, lamb can be used, but the cooking time will increase as lamb takes longer to tenderize. - Is it necessary to roast the chicken?
Roasting adds flavor and texture, but you can skip this step if pressed for time.
Conclusion
Qidrah Chicken is a celebration of Palestinian cuisine, rich in flavor and history. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, it brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Its unique blend of spices, tender chicken, and aromatic rice makes it a dish that represents Middle Eastern culinary excellence.
References
- Traditional Palestinian recipes
- Middle Eastern cookbooks and online resources
