One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice Recipe

One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings. Quantities adjust automatically for different portions, but cooking times remain the same. Not all recipes scale perfectly.

  • 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 cup chopped tomato
  • 2 cups green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock

Directions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large casserole or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat and sprinkle with turmeric. Arrange chicken in a single layer and cook until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside, keeping it warm.
  3. In the same pot, add onion, ginger, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown, approximately 2 minutes.
  4. Add tomatoes, green beans, curry powder, cinnamon, cumin, and rice. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Return the chicken along with any juices to the pot. Add bay leaves, fish sauce, and chicken stock, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Adjust the lid slightly to vent and continue to simmer until the rice is tender, an additional 10-15 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat, uncover, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with raita for a refreshing garnish.

Cook's Note: Raita

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup grated and drained cucumber, 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint, 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice, 1/8 teaspoon garam masala, and 1/8 teaspoon granulated garlic. Season with salt to taste. Serve chilled alongside the curry.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 453
  • Fat: 11g (14% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 4g (20% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 155mg (52% DV)
  • Sodium: 570mg (25% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g (10% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 59g (118% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 15mg (17% DV)
  • Calcium: 88mg (7% DV)
  • Iron: 4mg (21% DV)
  • Potassium: 872mg (19% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values may vary depending on individual calorie needs.

The Story Behind One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice

One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish with roots in various Asian culinary traditions, particularly South and Southeast Asia. Turmeric, a golden spice known for its vibrant color and earthy flavor, has been used in cooking for thousands of years, both for taste and medicinal purposes. Combining turmeric with chicken and rice creates a simple yet aromatic meal that has been passed down through generations in home kitchens and local eateries.

Regional Variations and Unique Twists

While the basic concept of chicken and rice is universal, regional differences shape this dish significantly. In India, it is often enriched with garam masala, cumin, and fresh coriander. Thai versions incorporate coconut milk and fish sauce, adding a subtly sweet and savory profile. The recipe here leans towards a fusion style, balancing aromatic spices like cinnamon and curry powder with fresh ginger, garlic, and green beans, making it vibrant yet approachable for home cooks worldwide.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Though it may resemble biryani, pilaf, or other spiced chicken and rice dishes, this one-pot version stands out for its simplicity and ease of preparation. Unlike biryani, it does not involve layering or frying the rice separately. The green beans and fresh tomatoes provide texture and freshness that distinguish it from classic pilafs or risottos, and the short cooking time preserves the chickens juiciness, unlike some slow-cooked recipes that can dry it out.

Typical Serving Context

This dish is versatile and often served as a family dinner, casual weeknight meal, or a simple centerpiece at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with freshly baked naan or roti and a side of raita to cool the palate. In some homes, it may accompany a fresh salad, offering a complete and balanced meal in a single pot.

Interesting Facts About Turmeric Chicken and Rice

  • Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Cooking chicken with rice in one pot helps absorb all the flavors from the spices and aromatics, creating a richer taste than separate cooking methods.
  • Variations of this dish are popular across many cultures, from Indian "khichdi" to Caribbean "yellow rice and chicken," highlighting its global appeal.
  • Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of fish sauce, as in this recipe, reflects a growing trend of fusion cuisine, merging flavors from different regions into a single comforting dish.
  • Leftovers often taste even better the next day, as the rice continues to absorb the spices, making it ideal for meal prep.

FAQ about One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice Recipe

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They will add extra moisture and flavor to the dish.

If you don't like green beans, you can substitute them with other vegetables like asparagus, peas, or bell peppers.

To make the rice fluffier, you can stir it once during the cooking process and ensure it's covered well during simmering to prevent it from drying out.

Yes, you can skip the fish sauce, though it adds depth of flavor. You can use soy sauce as a substitute for a different taste.

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just cook it through, let it cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Raita is a cool, refreshing yogurt-based side dish often served with spiced meals. It's optional, but it complements the turmeric chicken and rice wonderfully. If you prefer a cooling element, definitely make it!

You can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid used and simmer the dish for an extra 10-15 minutes.

To prevent the chicken from becoming dry, avoid overcooking it. You can also use boneless chicken thighs, which tend to stay juicier, or remove the chicken after it's browned and return it towards the end of cooking.

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a tossed salad, naan, or roti for a complete meal.

Comments

Norman Dynneson

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

We're not a fan of green beans so I tossed in small asparagus spears the last 10 minutes. Turned out very nice

Susan Sutter Hultgren

06/25/2025 05:55:13 PM

I made this just as instructed in the directions. It had a good flavor and was a nice one pot meal however, the chicken was tough and dry because it was cooked too long. My suggestion is to either use boneless chicken thighs or sauté the chicken breast set aside and keep them out until the last 5 minutes of cooking the dish. Then add the cut-up breasts back into the rice mixture.

tosagirl

12/31/2024 01:42:57 AM

This was a good, simple dish to make on a chilly winter night. It definitely needed a little salt. I recommend stirring a few times while it simmers to make sure all the rice is cooked evenly. Next time I will add a little more broth.

Ev

06/20/2025 12:51:59 AM

It was good! I also love that it’s actually 4 servings because usually i get way less servings out of a dish than the recipe says so thought id mention that since its rare and appreciated . Paired it with naan

Carol Demorest

06/19/2025 02:21:20 AM

This recipe is a keeper. Delicious. Easy to make. Easy to follow.

Kenneth Allen

05/15/2025 12:41:56 AM

Everyone complimented it — I felt like a chef.

Nathan Sanchez

02/17/2025 10:01:15 PM

I might be biased, but this is restaurant-quality.

Martha Foster

12/11/2024 12:15:24 AM

Great to find a tasty non-dairy chicken-rice-veggie recipe!