Have you ever wandered through the vibrant souks of Sana’a or been welcomed into a Yemeni home for a shared meal? If so, you’ve likely been captivated by the rich, smoky aroma and mouthwatering flavors of Yemeni Chicken Mandi. More than just a dish, Mandi is a journey—a tribute to centuries-old spice traditions, slow-cooked perfection, and the heartwarming hospitality of Yemen.
This cherished rice and meat dish features tender, spice-marinated chicken that practically melts off the bone, served atop fragrant, golden rice. Its signature smokiness pays homage to the ancient underground ovens of the Arabian Peninsula. While we may not cook in sand pits today, this modern adaptation delivers the same deep, aromatic flavors.
The rice—infused with whole cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves—complements the juicy, crispy-skinned chicken beautifully. A hint of charcoal smoke ties it all together, transporting you straight to a bustling Yemeni kitchen.
Perfect for gatherings or a special meal at home, Yemeni Chicken Mandi brings the bold, authentic tastes of the Middle East to your table. Pair it with zhoug, fresh salad, or creamy yogurt, and savor every flavorful bite
Ingredients
Chicken
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1 whole chicken (cut in half or quarters)
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2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp turmeric
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp coriander powder
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp ground cardamom
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½ tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp cloves powder
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½ tsp nutmeg
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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2 tbsp lemon juice
Rice
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2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
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4 cups chicken broth or water
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1 large onion (finely chopped)
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2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp turmeric
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1 tsp cumin
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1 bay leaf
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3 cardamom pods
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3 cloves
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1 cinnamon stick
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp ground coriander
Smoky Flavor (optional but recommended)
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A small piece of charcoal
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1 tsp butter or oil
Execution
1. Marinate the Chicken
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In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, garlic, and lemon juice.
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Rub the mixture all over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight).
2. Cook the Rice
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Begin by heating oil or butter in a deep pot on medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they’re golden brown.
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Add bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, black pepper, and ground coriander. Stir for a minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the soaked basmati rice and stir for another 1-2 minutes.
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Add chicken broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender.
3. Cook the Chicken
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Place the marinated chicken on a baking rack over a tray (to let the juices drip down).
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Roast for about 40–50 minutes, basting occasionally with its juices until golden and crispy.
4. Add the Smoky Flavor (Dum Method – Optional)
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Heat a piece of charcoal directly on the stove until red hot.
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Make a small foil cup and place it in the center of the cooked rice.
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Add a teaspoon of butter or oil into the foil cup and immediately place the hot charcoal inside.
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Cover the pot quickly to trap the smoke inside for 5–10 minutes.
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Remove the charcoal and foil cup.
5. Serve
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Fluff up the rice and serve it on a large plate.
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Place the roasted chicken on top.
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Garnish with roasted almonds or raisins (optional).
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Serve with Yemeni Zhoug (spicy green sauce) or yogurt on the side.
Additional Tips
✔For extra tenderness, cook the chicken on low heat and let it rest before serving.
✔For an authentic touch, use Loomi (dried black lime) in the rice.
✔To make it even more flavorful, try cooking the rice with a bit of chicken fat.
✔Mandi pairs well with a fresh salad, tomato chutney, or cucumber
Q&A About This Recipe
Q: What is Mandi?
A: Mandi is a traditional Yemeni dish made with spiced meat (usually chicken or lamb) and rice, cooked with a blend of aromatic spices. It’s known for its tender meat, fluffy rice, and a signature smoky flavor.
Q: Can I use lamb instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Lamb is actually more traditional in many parts of Yemen. Just keep in mind that lamb may require longer cooking time to become tender.
Q: Do I need a special oven or equipment to make Mandi?
A: Not at all. While traditional Mandi is cooked underground, this recipe is adapted for a regular kitchen using an oven and stovetop. The smoky flavor can be achieved with a simple piece of charcoal.
Q: Is the charcoal smoke necessary?
A: It’s optional, but it adds an authentic, earthy depth that makes the dish taste like it was cooked over an open fire. If you skip it, the dish will still be delicious—just slightly less smoky.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and refrigerate it. The rice can also be prepped in advance and reheated gently before serving. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can dry out easily.
Q: What should I serve with Yemeni Chicken Mandi?
A: It pairs wonderfully with Yemeni Zhoug (spicy cilantro sauce), cucumber yogurt salad, or a fresh chopped tomato-onion-cucumber salad. A squeeze of lemon over the top also elevates the flavors.
Q: How can I make this dish milder or spicier?
A: Definitely. Adjust the chili or paprika levels in the marinade to suit your spice tolerance. The dish is traditionally flavorful but not overly spicy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Authentic Flavor at Home
Bring the rich, aromatic essence of Yemeni cooking into your kitchen—no traditional clay oven or pit needed. This recipe brings traditional Mandi flavors to your kitchen with simple techniques and everyday ingredients.
🍗 Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken
Marinated in a warm blend of spices and slow-roasted to perfection, the chicken turns out incredibly tender on the inside with a crispy, golden crust on the outside.
🍚 Fragrant, Fluffy Rice
Each grain is infused with rich spices and aromatic broth, making the rice just as crave-worthy as the meat itself.
🔥 Optional Smoky Finish
Add a quick charcoal “dum” for that restaurant-quality smoky aroma that takes this dish to the next level.
🥘 One Pot, Big Impact
While it may sound like a complex dish, it’s actually very manageable and mostly made in one pot plus the oven—making cleanup a breeze!
🎉 Perfect for Gatherings
Whether it’s a special family dinner, holiday, or potluck, Chicken Mandi is a stunning centerpiece that’ll impress every guest.
Happy Cooking
Diana
