Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej)

A mouthwatering view of Lebanese Rice and Chicken, inviting you to savor the richness of Middle Eastern culinary art.

5 from 2 votes

Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej)

A hearty flavorful ground meat rice topped with shredded tender chicken is an easy recipe for actual everyday life. Try it now!

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Total Time1

Course: dinner, lunch

Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern

Keyword: ground meat rice with chicken, rice with ground meat and chicken

Servings: servings

Author: Lama

Equipment

Instant pot

Ingredients

Prepare for the chicken

1 whole chicken 4-5lbs
2 cups water
3 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 onion largely cubed

Prepare for the rice

1 lb ground beef
2 cups Basmati rice long grain
5 tablespoons olive oil
½ tablespoon seven spices
½ tablespoon salt to taste

Instructions

To cook the chicken

Place a whole chicken in the instant pot.
Add the cubed onions, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and 2 cups of water.
Cover and cook for 1/2 an hour on high.

Meanwhile, cook the rice

In a medium pot, on medium-high heat, add olive oil. Then, sauté the ground beef for about 6-7minutes.
Add the seven-spice seasoning, rinsed rice, salt, and sifted chicken broth OR 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water.
Stir, cover, then simmer the rice for 15-17 minutes.

Back to the chicken

Release pressure, remove the whole chicken.
Begin to debone in thick pieces of meat to top your rice with.

Prepare your dish

Plate the cooked rice. Then, top with the cooked chicken.
Garnish with minced parsley and/or toasted nuts.
Drizzle some warm chicken broth over the plate if you have any broth left for added flavor (optional).

Notes

Note 1: Let the rice rest in the pot for a few minutes before serving. It will soak all the flavors. Yummy!

Note 2: Use water or vegetable broth for the rice if you do not have chicken broth.

Note 3: Prepare the ground meat rice and chicken ahead of time. Put in an airtight container and reheat it upon serving.

Note 4: I drizzled some chicken broth on top of the rice. You can turn it into a sauce by preparing a roux and then you add the broth into the pan. You can season it with some salt and pepper for extra flavors.

Nutrition