One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that dazzles the eyes and the tastebuds, One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice is here to become your new weeknight hero. Each forkful brings together tender, golden chicken, creamy rice, zesty pickled onions, and a symphony of spices—and best of all, cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those recipes where simple ingredients truly shine—each element brings its own pop of flavor, color, or comforting texture to the One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice. Here’s how they build a symphony together:

• Red Onion: Sliced extra thin, these get a quick pickling treatment and add a crisp, tangy bite to balance the richness.
• Red Wine Vinegar & Ground Sumac: Essential for those vibrant, lemony pickled onions you’ll want on everything.
• Kosher Salt: Divided between marinating, seasoning, and pickling for balanced flavor throughout.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and quick-cooking, they soak up all the spice and remain tender after baking.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Perks up the marinade and keeps flavors bright.
• Ground Turmeric & Coriander: These earthy, golden spices form the backbone of the dish’s flavor and color.
• Black Pepper: For warmth and depth, balancing turmeric’s earthiness.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics with lush, fragrant richness.
• Scallions: Greens and whites both, they sauté down for gentle sweetness and a pop of fresh flavor.
• Garlic & Fresh Ginger: The classic aromatics, adding punch and warmth to the rice base.
• Short-Grain White Rice: Sushi rice, or another short grain, delivers creamy, tender rice that absorbs all those delicious juices.
• Chicken Broth: For deeper savoriness—that extra note that takes the rice from good to can’t-stop-eating.
• Lite Coconut Milk: Adds creamy, subtle sweetness without overpowering the spices.
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves: For a fresh, herbal finish (and that pop of green for visual flair!).

Variations

Think of this One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice as your canvas—it’s so easy to mix things up based on what’s in your fridge, your dietary needs, or just your culinary mood! Here are a few favorite twists:

• Sneak in More Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers along with the rice to boost color and nutrition.
• Swap the Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts or even bone-in thighs both work nicely—just adjust cook time as needed for larger cuts.
• Make it Dairy-Free or Vegan: Use plant-based broth and swap in tofu or chickpeas for the chicken to keep all the flavor and comfort.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne or serve with chili crisp if you’d like some heat.

How to Make One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Quick-Pickle the Red Onions

Start by tossing your thinly sliced red onions with red wine vinegar, sumac, and a pinch of salt. Give them a gentle massage to help soften and infuse the flavors. Let them sit while you get on with the rest of the recipe—this quick pickle is what transforms regular onions into a vibrant, tangy topping you’ll crave.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss your chicken thighs with fresh lemon juice, turmeric, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Set aside at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes—the marinating time infuses the chicken and ensures every bite glows with golden flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, and lay the chicken in (let the marinade cling on!). Sear undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust, then flip and cook 1–2 more minutes before transferring to a plate—you want good color, not fully cooked through.

Step 4: Build the Aromatic Rice Base

In the same pan, add scallions, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté for a couple of minutes until they’re softened and the kitchen smells utterly inviting. Add the short-grain rice and stir to coat in those flavorful oils, letting it toast briefly to enhance the nutty flavor.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Bake

Pour in your chicken broth, coconut milk, and the remaining salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then nestle the seared chicken pieces right on top. Cover the pan and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is creamy and fluffy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, scatter your sumac-pickled onions generously over the top and add a shower of fresh cilantro. Not only does this make your One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice look absolutely irresistible, but it layers in brightness, crunch, and an herby finish.

How to Serve One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

This dish is all about bold, fresh toppings! Heap those tangy sumac-pickled onions and plenty of torn cilantro over each serving. If you want to go the extra mile, a few toasted almonds or pistachios on top add a lovely contrasting crunch.

Side Dishes

One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice truly stands on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber-yogurt salad, a squeeze of extra lemon, or warm flatbread to scoop up the creamy rice. A side of simply dressed greens or sliced tomatoes is refreshing alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving directly from a beautiful Dutch oven at the table for that “family feast” feel—or portion into individual bowls for a casual dinner party. Plating with extra pickled onions and a bright wedge of lemon makes it extra inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer your One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic meal-prep candidate!

Freezing

Both the chicken and rice freeze well for longer storage. Place portions in a freezer-safe, airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add a splash of broth or coconut milk if the rice needs loosening.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring and adding a little extra liquid as needed. Or pop an individual bowl in the microwave with a splash of water or broth, covering loosely to avoid drying out that luscious rice.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful and freeing about making a dinner that feels both special and stress-free, and that’s exactly what you get with One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice. I hope you give it a try—and, chances are, it’ll quickly earn a spot at the heart of your own kitchen comfort repertoire.

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