Jaj Mahshi Rice Stuffed Chicken (Printable Version)
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 -
2 whole chickens, approximately 3 lbs each, cleaned and patted dry
→ Chicken Marinade
02 -
1/4 cup olive oil
03 -
Juice of 1 lemon
04 -
1 tbsp 7 spice
05 -
1 tbsp all-purpose poultry seasoning
06 -
2 tsp smoked paprika
07 -
2 tsp garlic powder
08 -
1 tsp turmeric
09 -
2 tsp salt
10 -
1 tsp black pepper
→ Hashweh (Rice and meat filling)
11 -
1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
12 -
1/2 lb ground beef
13 -
1 tbsp olive oil
14 -
1 finely diced onion
15 -
1 tbsp 7 spice, divided
16 -
Salt and pepper to taste
17 -
1 tbsp ghee
18 -
1.5 cups water or stock
19 -
1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, and marinade spices in a bowl. Rub the marinade over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator overnight or for at least several hours.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a pot, add onions, and cook until translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it down until fine. Season with 1/2 tbsp seven spice, salt, and pepper. Cook through, then set aside.
03 -
Season rinsed rice with remaining 1/2 tbsp seven spice, salt, and pepper. Add to the meat mixture in the pot along with ghee. Stir, add water or stock, and bring to a light boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, cooking the rice to slightly underdone (about 3/4 cooked). Allow to cool slightly, then fold in toasted nuts.
04 -
Stuff the marinated chicken cavity with the rice and meat mixture. Seal the cavity using a toothpick or skewer.
05 -
Place stuffed chickens in a baking dish and add 1 cup water to the bottom. Cover with parchment paper and then aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 1 hour, then reduce to 400°F (200°C) for another hour. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
06 -
Remove foil and broil the chicken for a few minutes to achieve a golden caramelized color.
07 -
Transfer chicken to a serving platter and garnish with lemon slices, pomegranate seeds, and parsley. Serve with salad and yogurt.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.