One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice
The ultimate comfort food, One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice is a nourishing dish filled with flavor and warmth. This easy weeknight dinner combines tender chicken, vibrant turmeric, and wholesome vegetables in one pot. Perfect for busy nights, it will quickly become a family favorite!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil divided
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2-2 inch pieces fresh turmeric (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 carrots diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric (dried)
- 2-½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1/2 medium cauliflower cut into florets (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup frozen green peas
- Cilantro for garnish
- lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating a 12-inch heavy-bottomed high-sided pan over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the avocado oil and the chicken pieces. Cook them until they begin to brown, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to get a nice golden color. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- Next, in the same pan, add the onions and carrots. Cook these for about 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This will be the base of your dish, so make sure they’re well-cooked.
- Now it’s time to add the fresh turmeric, garlic, and all the spices. Toast them for about 30 seconds. This step will really enhance their flavors and aromas.
- Pour in the chicken stock and be sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits add so much flavor to your dish. Once that's done, add the rice, cauliflower, and the browned chicken. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the pan, ensuring that the veggies and chicken are pushed into the liquid as much as possible. This helps everything cook evenly.
- Let the mixture come to a boil. Once boiling, cover it with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. This will allow the rice to cook properly.
- Cook for 20 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with a wonderful aroma during this time.
- After 20 minutes, turn off the heat. Quickly remove the lid and sprinkle the frozen green peas over the top. Close the lid again and let it steam for an additional 5 minutes. This will make the peas tender and vibrant.
- Finally, fluff the dish with a fork. Garnish with some fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of lemon juice for that extra zing. Serve immediately and watch everyone enjoy!
Notes
- Tip 1: Cooking times may vary depending on the brand of rice you use. Always check for doneness.
- Tip 2: The freshness of your spices can greatly influence the flavor. Use fresh and good-quality turmeric and cumin.
- Tip 3: A heavy-bottomed pot retains heat better and helps prevent burning.
- Tip 4: Letting the dish sit after cooking allows flavors to meld and improves texture.