Turmeric Chicken & Rice
A comforting and vibrant one-pot Turmeric Chicken & Rice dish featuring tender chicken infused with earthy turmeric spices, aromatic sautéed onions and garlic, cooked with fluffy long-grain rice in a rich chicken broth. Quick to prepare, nutritious, and highly customizable, this colorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in for more flavor or boneless for convenience)
Grains
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Fats
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or ghee in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation for the dish.
- Brown the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they turn golden on each side. This caramelization enhances flavor and helps seal in juices.
- Add Turmeric and Rice: Sprinkle turmeric powder over the chicken and stir gently to coat. Then add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to combine everything evenly, ensuring the rice absorbs all the spices.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the dish from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes with the lid on. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley before serving for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- Don’t skip rinsing the rice to prevent sticky clumps and improve texture.
- Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor due to the natural juices from the bones.
- Lightly toast the turmeric powder before cooking to release its aroma.
- Cook covered and undisturbed to ensure the rice cooks perfectly in steam.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end for the best flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: turmeric chicken, one pot meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner, gluten free, turmeric recipe, healthy dinner, vibrant flavors