Turmeric Chicken & Rice
A quick and flavorful one-pan Turmeric Chicken & Rice dish bursting with golden color, earthy turmeric aroma, and wholesome ingredients perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken thighs cook with fluffy, turmeric-seasoned rice, delivering a nutritious, comforting meal with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pan skillet cooking
- Cuisine: Fusion / Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
Grains & Spices
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Oils
- 2 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lemon juice (for squeezing)
- Toasted nuts (for crunch)
- Prep Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed. Add chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toast the Rice and Add Turmeric: Stir rinsed rice into the skillet with the aromatics. Lightly toast the rice for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle turmeric powder over the rice and stir well to coat evenly, enhancing color and flavor.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Return the seared chicken thighs, nestling them into the rice. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the heat and let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t skip rinsing rice to prevent clumping and ensure fluffy texture.
- Bone-in chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy.
- Toast turmeric in oil to deepen its color and aroma.
- Letting the dish rest covered helps flavors meld and perfects rice texture.
- Check liquid levels; some rice brands may require slightly more broth for optimal doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: turmeric chicken, chicken and rice, one-pan meal, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free dinner, easy weeknight meal