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Upside-down Maqluba rice cake with chicken and tomatoes
Festive Maqluba with layers of chicken, rice, and tomatoes

Chicken and Rice Maqluba with Tomatoes

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
In Arabic, 'Maqluba' means 'upside-down'. This spectacular festive dish is the Middle East's savory cake: layers of meat, roasted vegetables, and rice, flipped dramatically onto a platter at the end. Success requires patience and courage for the flip. The tomato layer not only adds flavor but also prevents burning while creating steam to cook the rice.
🕒 Prep Time 30 mins
🍳 Cook Time 40 mins
⌛ Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 650 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Levantine / Arab

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large non-stick pot (straight sides are best)
  • Large serving platter for flipping
  • Kitchen towel

Allergen Information

⚠️ None

Instructions

1 ✓

Wash the rice thoroughly and soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and brown it in the oil on all sides (no need to cook through). Remove the meat.

Tip: Soaking removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separate grains.
2 ✓

In the same oil, fry the sliced onion. Line the bottom of the pot with the tomato slices (this is your protective layer).

Tip: The moisture from the tomatoes creates steam and prevents the rice from scorching.
3 ✓

Layering: Place the chicken on the tomatoes, sprinkle with the fried onions and crushed garlic. Finally, spread the drained rice evenly on top.

Tip: Press the layers down gently to create a compact structure.
4 ✓

Mix the salt, cumin, and cinnamon into the hot water, then gently pour it over the rice. The water should cover the rice by about 1/2 inch.

Tip: Pour the water over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the layers.
5 ✓

Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Turn off heat, place a kitchen towel under the lid, and rest for 20 minutes.

Tip: Resting allows the steam to distribute evenly.
6 ✓

The big moment: Place a large platter over the pot and flip it upside down in one decisive motion. Tap the bottom, lift the pot. Garnish with cilantro.

Tip: Be brave!

Recipe FAQ

Why did it fall apart when flipping?
You didn't rest it enough! After cooking, let it stand in the pot for 15-20 minutes so the rice can set.
Should I parboil the rice?
Usually soaking is enough, but if you're worried about it staying hard, parboil for 5 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken Thighs or Breast (cut into pieces)
  • 1.5 cups Basmati Rice
  • 3 medium Tomatoes (sliced)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Pepper
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
  • 2.5 cups Hot Water (or Chicken Broth)