Authentic Taif-Style Saleeg with Chicken
Taif-style Saleeg with chicken is one of the most iconic traditional dishes from the city of Taif in Saudi Arabia. Known for its creamy rice texture and deeply flavored roasted chicken, this dish reflects the simplicity and richness of Hijazi cuisine. The secret lies in the cooking sequence — from sautéing onions to adding milk only at the final stage. Ingredients 1 whole chicken, cleaned and washed 2 cups short-grain rice 1 onion, finely chopped 1 cinnamon stick 1 chicken stock cube Salt to taste Water 2 cups liquid milk 2 tablespoons ghee Olive oil Red pepper paste (Dibs Felfel) Taif-Style Saleeg Method (Traditional Way) In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion until soft and lightly golden. Add the chicken stock cube and cinnamon stick, then pour in enough water. Add the whole chicken and cook until fully tender and the broth is rich. Remove the chicken from the broth and set aside. Brush the chicken with olive oil and red pepper paste, then place it under the top grill of the oven u...