Turmeric Chicken and Rice – A Flavorful, One-Pan Wonder

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week, this Turmeric Chicken and Rice is the answer. The juicy chicken is seasoned with aromatic spices and cooked alongside golden turmeric rice for a complete meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. With just one pan, you can have this vibrant, fragrant dish on the table in no time.

Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!

Annie Graves

Turmeric Chicken and Rice

Try this Turmeric Chicken and Rice! A one-pan dish with tender chicken, golden turmeric rice, and fragrant spices—a quick and flavorful meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 44 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 lemon for squeezing over the chicken

For the Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/4 cup frozen peas for added color
• A handful of raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness
• Sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts for crunch

Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with marinated tofu or roasted chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free broth.

Method

 

Season the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix the ground turmeric, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the chicken thighs with the spice mixture, coating them evenly.
3. Squeeze half a lemon over the chicken for extra flavor.

Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside (it will finish cooking later with the rice).

Cook the Rice

1. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic, ground turmeric, and cumin, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the spices.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer with the Chicken

1. Once the rice is boiling, reduce the heat to low.
2. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the rice, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
3. If adding peas or raisins, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Garnish and Serve

1. Once the rice is fully cooked, fluff it with a fork.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve the Turmeric Chicken and Rice hot, with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 portion of chicken and rice):

• Calories: 450-500
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

Notes/Advice:

• Additions/Subtractions:
  • For extra richness, stir a pat of butter into the rice just before serving.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of turmeric and cumin in the rice.
  • You can also use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Variations:

• Spicy Turmeric Chicken and Rice: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Turmeric Chicken: Stir in chopped tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the rice for a Mediterranean twist.
• Vegetable-Packed Rice: Add chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the rice for a heartier meal.

Suggestions:

• Serving Ideas: Serve this dish with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also drizzle with a little yogurt or tahini sauce for extra creaminess.
• Make It Ahead: The chicken and rice can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Wrapping It Up:

And there you have it—Turmeric Chicken and Rice that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! The golden turmeric rice pairs beautifully with the juicy, spiced chicken, making this one-pan dish as vibrant as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it’s sure to be a hit. So grab your spices, sear that chicken, and enjoy this fragrant and satisfying meal!

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