Name: Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 lbs / about 1.5 kg); 1 whole onion; 2 bay leaves; 2 cinnamon sticks; 0.5 lbs minced ground beef or lamb; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon Lebanese 7 spices; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon white or black pepper; 2 cups long-grain rice, washed and drained; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting nuts); 1 cup mixed raw nuts (almonds, pine nuts, cashews)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 75 reviews

There is something truly magical about the Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej) Recipe that brings people together around the table. This dish is a heartwarming celebration of wholesome ingredients, aromatic spices, and a rich heritage of flavor. Imagine tender, slow-cooked chicken infused with fragrant bay leaves and cinnamon sticks, nestled atop perfectly spiced long-grain rice, then crowned with golden toasted nuts for a delightful crunch. Each bite is a comforting journey to Lebanon’s bustling family kitchens, where simple, essential ingredients transform into a dish full of soul and tradition. If you’re craving a meal that’s both nourishing and bursting with character, this recipe will capture your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a pot filled with cooked rice mixed with small pieces of meat. The rice is light brown with a fluffy texture, and the meat is scattered evenly throughout, appearing darker brown with a slightly crumbly look. The pot is red on the outside with a black interior, sitting on a white marbled surface. The focus is on the rice and meat combination inside the pot, showing the grain details and bits of meat closely. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej) Recipe is like assembling a palette of vibrant flavors and textures that work in beautiful harmony. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the fragrant spices that elevate the taste or the nuts adding that irresistible crunch and buttery richness.

Whole chicken (3 to 4 lbs): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy meat when slow-cooked with aromatic spices.
Minced ground beef or lamb (0.5 lbs): Adds a savory depth and richness to the rice mixture for extra flavor complexity.
Onions (2 medium): One chopped to enhance the meat mixture, the other whole for infusing the chicken broth with gentle sweetness.
Bay leaves (2): Infuse a subtle earthiness that makes the broth deeply aromatic.
Cinnamon sticks (2): Bring warm, comforting notes that are signature to Lebanese cooking.
Long-grain rice (2 cups): The perfect base to soak up all the delicious flavors of the chicken and spices.
Olive oil or butter (2 tablespoons): Used for cooking the rice, adding a silky texture and richness.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Essential for toasting the nuts, giving them a beautiful golden color and fragrant taste.
Allspice (1 teaspoon): Adds a slightly sweet and peppery warmth to the dish.
Lebanese 7 spices (1 teaspoon): A signature spice blend that truly brings authenticity to the recipe.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Enhances the aromatic profile with a subtle sweetness.
Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a mellow, nutty layer that complements the other spices.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Balances all flavors perfectly.
White or black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat and peppery finish.
Mixed raw nuts (1 cup): Almonds, pine nuts, and cashews toasted for a crunchy, buttery topping.

How to Make Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Broth

Start by rinsing the whole chicken and placing it in a large pot filled with water. Add the whole onion, bay leaves, and cinnamon sticks to create a luscious broth full of fragrant warmth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. As the chicken cooks slowly, the broth will develop the perfect balance of aromatics to infuse the rice later.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat Mixture

While the chicken simmers, heat a bit of olive oil or butter in a pan and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the ground beef or lamb along with the allspice, Lebanese 7 spices, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fragrant, then set aside. This savory mixture will add a rich, meaty layer of flavor to the rice that complements the chicken perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the broth and set it aside, keeping the broth hot. Strain the broth to remove the solids, then use it to cook the rinsed long-grain rice. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter, add the rice, and toast it lightly to coat every grain with flavor. Then, pour in the warm chicken broth and cook the rice until fluffy and tender. Stir in the cooked ground meat mixture gently, blending all the wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Toast the Nuts

In a small pan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat and add the mixed raw nuts. Toast them carefully, stirring often until they’re golden and aromatic. These toasted nuts will bring a delightful crunch and buttery richness that elevates the Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej) Recipe to a whole new level.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Shred the cooked chicken or cut it into pieces, and arrange it on top of the fragrant rice. Sprinkle the toasted nuts lavishly over the entire dish to create an inviting presentation that showcases the textures and colors beautifully. Your Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej) Recipe is now ready to bring a feast of flavors to your table.

How to Serve Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej) Recipe

A close-up view of a dark-colored pot filled with a thick, light brown soup containing chunks of white meat and bits of darker meat mixed in. A wooden spoon with a smooth surface is partially submerged in the soup, stirring gently. Above the pot, a silver container pours a light yellowish broth into the pot, adding more liquid. The image shows bubbles on the soup surface, indicating it is hot and simmering. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or cilantro add a vibrant splash of green and freshness, perfectly balancing the warm spices. A drizzle of lemon juice or a side of pickled vegetables can add a zesty, tangy contrast that lifts the dish incredibly.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple Lebanese sides like fattoush salad or tabbouleh, which add crisp, bright notes to the meal. A bowl of creamy yogurt or garlic sauce can also enhance the richness and provide a cooling complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish on a large, decorated platter to capture that communal dining spirit typical in Lebanese culture. Consider garnishing with edible flowers or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and an elegant touch. For gatherings, you could fill hollowed-out bell peppers or bake the rice and chicken in individual ramekins for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Store the rice and chicken together or separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain freshness.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered dish in the oven or microwave. Adding a splash of broth or water will help keep the rice moist and prevent it from drying out. Freshly toasted nuts added after reheating restore that lovely crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?

Absolutely! Using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces will still create a delicious broth and tender meat, though cooking time might be slightly shorter compared to a whole chicken.

What can I substitute for Lebanese 7 spices?

If you can’t find Lebanese 7 spices, a mixture of ground cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, and cardamom will give you a similar aromatic profile.

Is it necessary to use mixed nuts in the recipe?

The mix of almonds, pine nuts, and cashews adds varied textures and rich flavors, but feel free to use just one type or swap in walnuts or pistachios if you prefer.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! The Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej) Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it primarily uses rice, chicken, spices, and nuts. Just double-check any spice blends for hidden gluten additives.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has a warm spice profile that’s mild to moderate in heat, making it suitable for most palates. You can adjust the pepper level to suit your taste or add a touch of chili if you like it spicier.

Final Thoughts

Cooking the Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej) Recipe at home is like inviting a little piece of Lebanon into your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s rich in flavors yet beautifully simple, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The mix of tender chicken, fragrant spices, and crunchy nuts will surely become a cherished favorite that you return to again and again. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting experience worth sharing.