Home / Gulf

Free for a limited time

Taif-Style Chicken Saleeg With Low-Fat Milk

By the Healthy Plate team

Chicken Saleeg

Saleeg is a Hijazi dish from Taif: rice cooked in chicken broth and milk until creamy, served with browned chicken. We use low-fat milk and oven-roast the chicken instead of frying in ghee.

In-article ad space

What we lightened

  • Low-fat milk
  • Oven-roasted chicken instead of ghee-fried
  • Just one spoon of butter for flavour

Chicken Saleeg

10 minPrep
50 minCook
6Servings
440kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut, skin removed
  • 2 cups short-grain rice
  • 3 cups low-fat milk
  • 1 onion
  • Cardamom, mastic and dried lime
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt and white pepper

Method

  1. Simmer chicken with onion, cardamom, mastic and dried lime for 30 minutes.
  2. Remove the chicken and roast 15 minutes until golden.
  3. Cook the rice in 4 cups of the broth, then add the milk gradually, stirring until creamy.
  4. Stir in the butter and serve the rice topped with the chicken.
Mastic gumAffiliate link — costs you nothing extra and supports the blog
Check price

Tip

Keep stirring once the milk goes in so it doesn't catch on the pot.

Taif-style saleeg

Saleeg is one of the best-known dishes of Taif and the Hijaz, especially in winter and at gatherings. Serve with browned chicken, lemon and chilli.

Frequently asked questions

Which rice works best?

Egyptian or short-grain rice for a creamy texture.

Can I use plant milk?

Yes — oat milk gives a similar result.

How many calories?

About 440 kcal per serving with chicken.

⚠️ For general education only. If you have a health condition or allergy, consult your doctor.