Chicken And Yellow Rice Recipe Your New Family Favorit
Try this easy chicken and yellow rice recipe—flavorful, one-pot comfort food perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time35 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: main dish
Cuisine: Fusion (Inspired by Latin, Mediterranean, and Southern flavors)
Keyword: Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 450kcal
Author: Paul.B
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs about 700g of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs add extra juiciness, but breasts work great too!
- Rice: 2 cups of long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine for that perfect fluffy texture.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to cook the rice and infuse it with rich flavor.
- Turmeric: 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric for that signature golden color and earthy taste.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the chicken and veggies.
Aromatics and Spices
- Onion: 1 medium onion finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced, because everything’s better with garlic!
- Bell Pepper: 1 medium bell pepper any color, diced for a pop of sweetness and color.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon of ground cumin for a warm nutty flavor.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon for a subtle smokiness.
- Bay Leaves: 2 leaves to add depth to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste for seasoning.
Optional Add-Ins
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup for a touch of sweetness and vibrant green color.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish.
- Lemon Wedges: For a zesty finish.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the bell pepper.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Measure out your rice, spices, and broth so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them through completely—they’ll finish cooking with the rice.
Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the turmeric, cumin, paprika, and bay leaves, letting the spices toast for about 1 minute. This step unlocks their full flavor!
Step 4: Add the Rice and Broth
Pour in the rice and stir to coat it evenly with the spice mixture.
Add the chicken broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Once done, remove the bay leaves and fluff the rice with a fork.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg