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Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to a Flavorful, Comforting Dish

Delicious plate of chicken and yellow rice with vibrant vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge, showcasing a flavorful and colorful meal.

Chicken and Yellow Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken with aromatic, golden rice. Infused with the warm spices of turmeric and saffron, this dish is both delicious and visually stunning. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of sides. Customize the recipe with vegetables, add a kick of heat, or use your favorite seasonings for a unique twist!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
  • 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric (or saffron)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 cup peas (optional)
  • 1/2 cup carrots, chopped (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  3. In the same pan, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the basmati or jasmine rice to the pan and stir to coat with the onion and garlic. Add the turmeric and paprika, mixing until the rice is well coated.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  6. While the rice cooks, chop vegetables (optional) like peas and carrots.
  7. Once the rice is cooked, add the chicken back into the pan, place a lid, and cook for another 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

  • If you’re short on time, you can skip marinating the chicken. Just make sure to season it generously before cooking.
  • For added vegetables, try adding bell peppers, peas, or carrots when the rice is almost done cooking.
  • If you don’t have saffron, you can use additional turmeric for color and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken and Yellow Rice, Chicken Rice Recipe, Saffron Rice, Turmeric Rice, Easy Chicken Dinner, One-Pot Rice, Yellow Rice with Chicken, Comfort Food Recipes, Healthy Chicken Rice