Say hello to your new favorite comfort food with a kick—Skillet Turmeric Chicken & Rice. This vibrant one-pan meal is making waves in 2025 kitchens for good reason: it’s earthy, aromatic, and packed with feel-good spices that bring warmth and flavor to every bite.
The star here is turmeric—known for its deep yellow hue and anti-inflammatory properties—which gives the chicken a rich, golden crust while infusing the rice with subtle, earthy flavor. When paired with garlic, onion, cumin, and a squeeze of lemon, the result is a balanced dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
This recipe is perfect for weeknights: minimal prep, quick cleanup, and a dish that tastes like it simmered all day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup long-grain rice (like basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden on both sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in rice, coating it with the spices and oil. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Nestle chicken back into the pan, cover, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the dish and garnish with herbs.
This Skillet Turmeric Chicken & Rice is golden comfort in a pan—easy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Perfect for cozy nights or stress-free hosting.