Description
Turmeric Chicken & Rice is a vibrant, flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with long-grain rice infused with earthy turmeric and aromatic spices. This wholesome, easy-to-prepare recipe offers a nutritious and comforting meal perfect for weeknights or relaxed dinners and is adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnishes and Herbs
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: lemon juice, toasted nuts (almonds, cashews), or yogurt for serving
Optional Variations
- Diced bell peppers, peas, carrots, or spinach (for added vegetables)
- Chili flakes, cayenne, or fresh jalapeños (for spiciness)
- Brown rice (substitution for long-grain rice)
- Use olive oil instead of ghee for dairy-free version
- Toasted almonds, cashews, or golden raisins (for sweet and crunchy contrast)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and turmeric powder. Heat olive oil or ghee in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Stir in a teaspoon of turmeric and any preferred additional spices such as cumin or coriander to awaken the flavors.
- Cook the Rice: Add the rice to the pan, stirring well to coat each grain in the turmeric-infused oil. Pour in chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork, adjust seasoning as needed, and sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs before serving. Add optional garnishes like lemon juice or toasted nuts if desired.
Notes
- Toast your spices in oil first to unlock their full flavor potential.
- Bone-in chicken pieces can add extra moisture and deeper flavor if you have time.
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy grains.
- Keep the lid on during simmering to cook the rice evenly and retain moisture in the chicken.
- Let the dish rest off heat for 5 minutes to meld flavors and firm up the rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion / Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: turmeric chicken, turmeric rice, one-pot meal, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free dinner, easy weeknight meal, anti-inflammatory recipe