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Turmeric Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 83 reviews

This Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice is a wholesome, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast cooked with aromatic spices like turmeric and paprika. The dish combines protein-rich chicken with fragrant jasmine rice, fresh spinach, and a zesty lemon finish, making it both nutritious and comforting. Optional Greek yogurt adds a creamy, cooling touch, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken and Spices

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Rice and Liquids

  • 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth

Greens and Finishers

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Stir frequently and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Spices: Sprinkle turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and aromatics. Stir well to evenly coat the ingredients with the spices.
  4. Incorporate Rice: Pour the rinsed jasmine or basmati rice into the pan, stirring to combine it with the chicken and spices thoroughly.
  5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Ensure that the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.
  6. Cook Covered: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Wilt Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook just until they wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish, stir well, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve: Spoon the turmeric chicken and rice into bowls and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired for added creaminess and tang.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming too sticky.
  • Using low sodium chicken broth controls the salt content, but adjust seasoning carefully at the end.
  • Greek yogurt is optional but adds a cooling effect and creaminess that complements the spices.
  • You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
  • For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/turmeric-chicken-and-rice-recipe/