One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice Recipe – Indian Special
One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice is a vibrant and flavorful Indian dish that combines tender chicken thighs with aromatic basmati rice, infused with the earthy tones of turmeric and cumin. This one-pot wonder simplifies cooking without compromising on taste, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option. The addition of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice enhances the dish’s freshness, while a side of yogurt complements its rich flavors.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time35 min
- Total Time50 min
One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice (rinsed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Yogurt or lemon wedges (for serving – optional)
Sear the Chicken:
Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a little turmeric. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add onions and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic, turmeric, cumin, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Rice and Broth:
Stir in rinsed rice and coat well with spices. Pour in chicken broth and season with salt to taste. Nestle the seared chicken on top, skin-side up.
Cook Covered:
Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Rest and Serve:
Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with herbs.
Optional Serving:
Serve with a dollop of yogurt or lemon wedges on the side.
Recipe Notes :
Rice Tip: Rinse rice until water runs clear to prevent clumping and ensure fluffy grains.
Chicken Substitute: You can use boneless thighs or drumsticks—adjust cooking time as needed.
Turmeric Boost: For even more depth, add a pinch of ground ginger or fresh grated ginger.
One-Pot Wonder: This dish is perfect for batch cooking or freezing in portions for later meals.
Veggie Add-Ins: Add frozen peas or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
