One-Pot Chicken and Rice — The Ultimate Comfort Meal Recipe
This One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort meal, combining tender chicken, fragrant spices, and fluffy basmati rice all cooked together in a single pot. It’s a simple, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, offering vibrant flavors from cumin and turmeric complemented by fresh coriander garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden and soft, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, and ½ teaspoon turmeric. Cook while stirring for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken pieces are lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Rice and Coat with Spices: Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, making sure to coat it evenly with the spices and chicken mixture, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour 3 cups of chicken broth into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
- Add Frozen Peas: Add 1 cup of frozen peas to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover again and continue simmering until the rice is tender, the chicken is fully cooked, and the peas are heated through.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat. Fluff the rice mixture gently with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish generously with fresh coriander before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffy rice.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper based on your preference after the rice has cooked.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes before serving.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
- Make sure to keep the pot covered while simmering to ensure even cooking of rice and chicken.
Keywords: one-pot chicken and rice, comfort meal, easy chicken dinner, basmati rice recipe, cumin turmeric chicken, quick one pot meal
