The dukhan smoke finish is what makes it mandi and not just spiced rice. A single ember of hardwood charcoal in a small cup, doused with a spoon of oil and trapped under the lid for a few minutes, drives real smoke through the rice. No liquid smoke stand-in gets close.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep30 min
Cook1 hr
Makesserves 6
CuisineMiddle Eastern
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Basmati rice
Aged long-grain; rinse until the water runs clear and soak 30 minutes.
2 cups
Local / market
Chicken
Bone-in pieces or a spatchcocked bird — bone keeps it moist.
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
GrillInstant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
Build the brothBrown chicken, then simmer with onion, tomato, whole spices, hawaij and dried lime until the chicken is nearly done. Strain and reserve the broth.
Cook the riceCook soaked basmati in the measured spiced broth until just tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Char the chickenRoast or broil the chicken pieces until the skin is deep and crisp.
SmokeNest a small heatproof cup on the rice, drop in the red-hot charcoal, spoon oil over it, and clap the lid on to trap the smoke for 5 minutes.
ServeFluff the rice, drizzle saffron water, and pile the chicken on top.
Can you make Chicken Mandi in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Chicken Mandi? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Chicken Mandi ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Chicken Mandi gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Chicken Mandi vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.