chicken basmati rice recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chicken basmati rice recipe
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The Best chicken basmati rice recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite chicken basmati rice recipe, which has been a staple in our household for years. This dish is not only incredibly flavorful, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.

The combination of tender chicken, fluffy basmati rice, and aromatic spices is truly unbeatable. I’ve served this recipe at countless family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always been a crowd-pleaser.

In fact, my kids love it so much that they often request it for their birthday dinners. I think what I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other rich and heavy meals. We’ve even made it for our family’s annual summer BBQs, where it’s always the first dish to go.

My husband and kids are particularly fond of the leftovers, which we often reheat for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day.

Chicken Basmati Rice

Chicken Basmati Rice

4.8 from 1878 votes

A fragrant one-pot dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice cooked with aromatic spices. This comforting meal is perfect for a hearty dinner and comes together with minimal effort.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric

For the Rice

1 1/2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the chicken chunks with salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
2Toss well to coat evenly and set aside for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
3Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
4Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
5Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
6In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
7Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
8Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
9Pour in the chicken broth and yogurt, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over high heat.
10Return the browned chicken to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
11Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
12Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
13Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.
14Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add a cinnamon stick or two cardamom pods while cooking the rice. You can substitute chicken broth with water if needed, but the broth adds more depth.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Basmati Rice Works

This chicken basmati rice recipe is a staple in our household because it’s easy to make and always satisfies our cravings.

We love serving it at family gatherings and potlucks because it’s both impressive and easy to scale up or down depending on the number of guests.

When reheating leftovers, we like to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to give it an extra burst of flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Basmati Rice

1.

Q: What type of basmati rice should I use for this recipe?
A: For this recipe, I recommend using long-grain basmati rice, as it holds up well to the flavors of the dish.

2.

Q: Can I substitute chicken with another protein source?
A: While chicken is the traditional protein source for this dish, you can definitely experiment with other options like beef or pork if you prefer.

3.

Q: How do I prevent the basmati rice from becoming mushy?
A: To avoid mushy rice, make sure to cook the basmati rice according to package instructions and then mix it with the cooked chicken and spices.

4.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.

5.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with this recipe?
A: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, naan bread, or raita (a yogurt-based side dish).

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