Chicken and rice dishes are a timeless comfort food. They fill the house with inviting aromas and leave everyone at the table satisfied and nourished. If you love a classic chicken and rice meal but want to add a vibrant twist, this Golden Skillet Turmeric Chicken and Rice is your new go-to recipe. Packed with spices, tender chicken, and fragrant jasmine rice, this one-pan dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Turmeric is the true hero of this recipe. Its warm golden hue brightens the plate, and its earthy, slightly peppery flavor pairs beautifully with garlic, ginger, and a touch of curry. Not only does turmeric enhance taste and color, but it also provides numerous health benefits thanks to curcumin, its active compound.
Why Turmeric is a Super Spice
Turmeric has been used in cooking and traditional medicine for centuries. Modern research has highlighted several key health benefits of this vibrant spice:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Turmeric can help reduce pain and stiffness, particularly for individuals with osteoarthritis.
- Supports heart health: Studies suggest curcumin may help improve cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular wellness.
- Antioxidant power: Combining turmeric with black pepper enhances absorption, boosting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
One study even showed that combining turmeric with piperine (found in black pepper) improved oxidative and inflammatory markers in people with metabolic syndrome. This makes turmeric not only a delicious addition to your meals but also a smart choice for overall health.
Why This Skillet Turmeric Chicken and Rice is Perfect
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. In under an hour, you’ll have a dish that is both aromatic and satisfying. The chicken becomes tender while the rice absorbs all the delicious spices, creating a harmonious flavor in every bite.
A few things make this recipe special:
- Layered flavors: Onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, curry, cumin, and turmeric create depth without overwhelming the palate.
- One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, reducing cleanup and letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- Customizable toppings: Fresh herbs, yogurt, cucumber, and lime add freshness and a touch of creaminess, allowing you to adjust the dish to your liking.
Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting friends, this golden turmeric chicken and rice recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4½ pounds), cut into 8 pieces
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons ground turmeric, divided
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 3 bay leaves
- 1½ tablespoons low-sodium coconut aminos
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- Optional toppings: plain yogurt, sliced cucumber, fresh mint leaves, lime wedges
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with paprika and black pepper. Set aside while you prepare the skillet.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle half of the turmeric over the oil, then add the chicken, skin side down. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate temporarily.
3. Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add the onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and slightly browned. Add the tomatoes, curry powder, cumin, remaining turmeric, and rice. Stir constantly for 3–5 minutes until the rice becomes fragrant and coated in spices.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up. Add the bay leaves, coconut aminos, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then cover partially and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, then continue to simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 10–15 minutes longer.
5. Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, uncover, and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chives and serve with your preferred toppings such as yogurt, cucumber, mint, and lime wedges for extra freshness.
This version of turmeric chicken and rice balances rich flavors with bright, aromatic spices, making it a perfect dinner any night of the week. The combination of turmeric, curry, and cumin ensures each bite is packed with both taste and health benefits.
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Golden Skillet Turmeric Chicken and Rice: A Comforting, Flavorful Dish
- Total Time: 50 min
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (about 4½ pounds), cut into 8 pieces
Sweet paprika, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1½ tablespoons ground turmeric, divided
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons curry powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups jasmine rice
3 bay leaves
1½ tablespoons low-sodium coconut aminos
3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
¼ cup chopped fresh chives
Optional toppings: plain yogurt, sliced cucumber, fresh mint leaves, lime wedges
Instructions
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Season Chicken: Rub chicken with paprika and black pepper; set aside.
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Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sprinkle half of the turmeric into the oil. Add chicken, skin side down, and cook 4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
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Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onion, ginger, and garlic for 5 minutes until soft. Add tomatoes, curry powder, cumin, remaining turmeric, and rice; stir 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
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Simmer: Return chicken to skillet, skin side up. Add bay leaves, coconut aminos, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, cover partially, and simmer on low heat 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, then cook 10–15 minutes more until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
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Finish: Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chives and serve with optional toppings.
Notes
- Chicken Choice: Bone-in chicken pieces add flavor; you can use boneless if preferred, but adjust cooking time.
- Spice Variations: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garam masala for a deeper flavor.
- Serving Ideas: Pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
- Make Ahead: Prepare rice and chicken separately, combine before serving for quicker reheating.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
