Quick Turmeric Rice with Chicken and Peas in 20 mins
This easy one-pot turmeric rice with chicken and peas gets ready in just 20 minutes. A full meal with starch, protein, and veggies is an absolute kids favorite too. With easy to find ingredients this can be made any time of the week or weekend.
About this turmeric rice with chicken
A simple and easy recipe that gets done in just 20 minutes. The chicken is lightly flavored with curry powder but I wouldn’t really call it an Indian dish. The turmeric adds a beautiful golden yellow color which is very attractive and appetizing.
I am using basmati rice but any rice you prefer can be used. Basmati gives us a nice fluffy and grainy texture when cooked with the right amount of water. You can even use brown or wild rice just make the necessary adjustments to the liquid required and the cooking time.
Useful tips and tools
- Use a heavy bottom saute pan when making rice as it prevents sticking on the bottom. I like to use my cast-iron skillet as it retains heat nicely.
- A clean chopping board and a utility knife work best for cutting the veggies.
- Also, I like to use a flat rubber spatula when stirring the rice so it does not break the grains.
- The quantity of water to rice is important so you have fluffy, not soupy rice. This means that you want to use a measuring cup for the liquid ingredients.
Ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)
- Chicken – I am using chicken thighs, and yet you can certainly use chicken breast. To preventing drying out, I recommend you brown it for just a minute on each side.
- Rice – Today, I have brown basmati rice but you can certainly use white rice. If you choose different rice make sure to check the liquid recommendations on the package.
- Turmeric – Give a pretty yellow color to the rice and is very high in anti-oxidant. You can find turmeric in most supermarkets. Also available in Indian or Middle-Eastern stores.
- Onion – I like using red onions because they caramelize and add a nice sweetness to the rice but you can use any onions you have on hand.
- Stock – I often use chicken stock but vegetable stock works just as well. You can even use the same quantity of water.
How to Make Turmeric Rice with Chicken and Peas in 20 mins (Save/Pin)
- Clean, wash and soak rice for 30 minutes – Drain and set aside.
- Cut the chicken into large pieces about 6 inches
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and curry powder – set aside.
- In a skillet, add a tbsp oil
- Add the chicken pieces, cook on each side for 2 minutes on medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
- To the same skillet, add remaining oil, saute onions until translucent.
- Add the garlic and turmeric powder,
- Then, add the drained rice, toast it for 2 minutes.
- Add the peas and herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Then add the chicken stock. Stir to combine
- Return the chicken back to the pan.
- Let come to a boil.
- Lower the heat to an absolute simmer (low)
- Cover the pan and let cook on low for 15 minutes
- After 15 minutes, turn the heat off – if possible let cool 10 minutes.
- Open, fluff the rice with a fork
- Serve.
Frequently asked questions
This chicken turmeric rice will keep in the fridge for a good 4o to 5 days. You can even freeze it for up to a month.
Yes, you can certainly use any rice you want just adjust the liquid and cooking times accordingly.
Absolutely, you can add up to 1 cup chopped carrots along with peas or potatoes just as we did in my vegetable rice pilaf. Make sure they are diced small so they cook the same time as the rice.
I am using chicken stock, but you can certainly use vegetables, beef or even water. Just keep to the amount in the recipe.
Yes, you can replace 1/2 cup liquid with coconut milk just as we did in my coconut turmeric rice.
Absolutely, I do have a coconut turmeric rice recipe that would be perfect if you want make this a meatless dish.
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Turmeric Rice with Chicken and Peas
Print Pin RateDescription
Ingredients
- 250 grams (0.55 lb) Chicken boneless
- 200 grams (1.08 cups) Rice basmati
- 1/2 cup Onions chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic minced
- 2 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup Green peas frozen
- 1 tbsp Oil cooking
- 1/4 cup herbs fresh cilantro or parsley
- 370 ml (1.56 cups) Chicken stock
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Clean, wash and soak rice for 30 minutes – Drain and set aside.
- Cut the chicken into large pieces about 6 inches
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and curry powder – set aside.
- In a skillet, add a tbsp oil
- Add the chicken pieces, cook on each side for 2 minutes on medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
- To the same skillet, add remaining oil, saute onions until translucent.
- Add the garlic and turmeric powder,
- Then, add the drained rice, toast it for 2 minutes.
- Add the peas and herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Then add the chicken stock. Stir to combine
- Return the chicken back to the pan.
- Let come to a boil.
- Lower the heat to an absolute simmer (low)
- Cover the pan and let cook on low for 15 minutes
- After 15 minutes, turn the heat off. If possible let cool for 10 minutes
- Open, fluff the rice with a fork
- Serve.
Equipment
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
About Videos – most recipes has two videos – a quick version & longer detailed version. Sometimes a similar recipe video may be used
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Jenni LeBaron
This turmeric chicken with rice and peas looks like a delicious weeknight dinner that would work equally well for meal prep during the week or even freeze well if I wanted to make a double batch. I’ve got all the ingredients for it on hand right now too. So glad I found this!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Jenni. Absolutely. Let me know how it goes.
Kay
This perfect, we all love curry in this house, except my 11yr old daughter, she normally makes me wash curry sauce off the chicken after I cooked it!!
Well, we had this yesterday for dinner and to my surprise, she didn’t ask me to wash the chicken spices off!! SO happy!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Kay. So happy your daughter loved this recipe as well. My kids feast on Indian food. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Hmm yum! I am definitely going to add this Turmeric Rice with Chicken and Peas onour menu this week. My family will surely love this yummy recipe.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Maggie, I think your family will love this one.
Jacqui DeBono
I am saving this for tomorrow night’s meal. I love rice and chicken dishes!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Jacqui. let me know how it was
Marisa F. Stewart
I tried the recipe this week and it was a huge success with Hubby. I wasn’t certain about the turmeric rice but everything came together beautifully and the combination is one we’ll make again..
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Marisa. So happy you enjoyed this so much. Thank you for coming back to write this feedback
Kelly Anthony
You had my attention with done in 20 minutes. This turmeric rice with chicken and peas will make a great balanced meal for busy weeknights.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Kelly. I hope you try this soon.
GUNJAN C Dudani
I generally love turmeric rice and this combination will definitely win my family’s heart. Love all your recipes.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Gunjan
Amy Liu Dong
This look so good and tasty and I love how easy and simple making this recipe.
Veena Azmanov
It is simple and easy for sure Amy
Pam Greer
We love how easy this chicken recipe is and how delicious! Dinner on the table in minutes and everyone loves it!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Pam.
HEATHER PERINE
Making this tonight – I have some leftover chicken thighs in the fridge that would be perfect for this! Thanks!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Heather. Let me know how it was.
Chef Dennis
Yum! This Turmeric Rice with Chicken and Peas is making me super hungry that I could hear my tummy growl! I can’t wait to have this on my plate
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Chef Dennis
Annie @ Annie's Noms
This looks divine!!! And I’m a sucker for a one pot meal! I love chicken and rice and am always making it in different ways. I also love adding tumeric to things, so this is right up my street. Definitely adding it to our dinner rota!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Annie. Yes, me too love turmeric as well.
SHANIKA
I love using Turmeric and love the idea of Turmeric Rice. This one pot dish looks so amazing and perfect as a weeknight meal for the family!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Shanika.
Carrie Robinson
Yum! I am loving everything about this recipe! Definitely making this asap. 🙂
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Carrie
Jordan
I’ve been looking for more ways to incorporate turmeric into my diet, this was perfect!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Jordan. Yes, its an easy way to add turmeric
Dannii
We always make turmeric rice when having a curry. I am going to have to try it this way too.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Dannii. Let me know how it was