One-Pot Chicken and Turmeric Rice Pilaf
Chicken and rice are great partners, and offer endless combinations. Change the spice rub or marinade on the chicken. Add seasonings and vegetables to the rice to complement the flavor of the chicken. This recipe uses turmeric and cardamom for the chicken for a Middle Eastern flavor. The rice is just seasoned with salt and pepper and a splash of lime juice to finish. The chicken is cooked with the rice, so it picks of some of those warm spice flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless
For the Rice
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 1 cup celery thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- To Serve
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the turmeric and cardamom and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken to the pot and let it cook for 5 minutes without moving it.
- Flip the chicken over and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook until the chicken is done. (Using a meat thermometer, cook until the temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. Or poke a sharp knife into the thickest part of the thigh and press down on the cut. If the juices run clear, it's done.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Make the Rice
- Add the stock, rice, salt, pepper, carrots, peas, and celery to the pan. Bring the pot to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork
- Arrange the chicken over the rice, drizzle the lime juice over it, and serve. You could also shred the chicken or cut it into cubes and mix it into the rice.
