Hey Lykkers! How’s it going? Feeling hungry or maybe just in the mood to whip up something comforting, warm, and totally show-stopping? Well, buckle up, because today we’re diving into a Middle Eastern classic that’s as delicious as it is festive—Chicken Ouzi!

Whether you’ve tried it before or you’re just hearing about it now, get ready to fall in love with this flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish.

So, What’s Chicken Ouzi All About?

Imagine tender, juicy chicken mixed with aromatic spiced rice, sweet veggies, and crunchy toasted nuts—all wrapped in golden pastry or served straight from the pot. Sounds dreamy, right?

That’s Chicken Ouzi for you! It’s a traditional favorite across the Middle East, often served at big family gatherings, holidays, and special celebrations. But don’t worry—you don’t need a party to enjoy it.

Why It’s So Loved

What makes Ouzi special isn’t just its taste (though it’s amazing). It’s the way all the textures and flavors come together: savory chicken, fluffy rice, soft veggies, warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and the little surprise crunch from almonds or pine nuts. You can even sweeten it up a bit with raisins if you like. It’s comforting, filling, and absolutely packed with flavor.

And the best part? You can serve it two ways: wrapped in buttery pastry parcels for that wow factor, or simply spooned into a big dish for a cozy, rustic vibe.

Let’s Cook! Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the rice and chicken:

- 2 cups basmati rice (rinsed)

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee

- 1 onion, chopped

- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

- ½ kg chicken, cooked and shredded

- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon allspice

- ½ teaspoon cardamom

- ½ teaspoon black pepper

- Salt to taste

- 3 cups chicken broth or water

For toppings:

- ½ cup toasted almonds or pine nuts

- Optional: ½ cup raisins

If using pastry:

- Phyllo or puff pastry sheets

- Melted butter (for brushing)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Ouzi

1. Cook the Chicken:

If you haven’t already, season your chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of turmeric, then cook it until tender and shred it.

2. Make the Rice:

Sauté onions in oil until soft. Add the spices and rice, stir to coat, then pour in the broth. Let it cook until the rice is tender. Stir in the chicken, peas, and carrots.

3. Assemble the Pastry (optional):

Place pastry sheets in greased ramekins, spoon in the rice mix, fold the pastry over, brush with butter, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden.

4. Or Serve Plain:

No pastry? No problem. Just scoop the rice mix into a big bowl and top with the toasted nuts (and raisins if using).

Let’s Eat!

Serve your Chicken Ouzi warm with a side of yogurt, a fresh salad, or even some mint tea. It’s a dish that brings people together—whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion meal.

Chicken Ouzi is more than just a recipe—it’s a delicious piece of tradition that’s easy to make at home. Whether you wrap it in pastry or keep it simple, it’s a dish that always satisfies. Give it a go, and don’t forget to share how it turns out!