easy yellow rice and chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy yellow rice and chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes, easy yellow rice and chicken. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. The origins of this recipe are unclear, but it’s believed to have originated from the Middle East or North Africa, where rice and chicken are common ingredients.

The flavors and aromas of this dish transport me to a warm and inviting place, where love and care are poured into every bite. To make this recipe, you’ll need some basic pantry staples like rice, chicken, spices, and herbs. The key to this dish is the technique of cooking the rice with turmeric and saffron, which gives it that beautiful yellow color and deep flavor.

It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. My kids love helping me in the kitchen with this recipe, and they always get excited when they see the yellow rice turning out perfectly. My husband appreciates how easy it is to make ahead of time and reheat for a quick meal.

I love that this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the vegetables and spices. It’s a great way to get everyone eating more veggies without even realizing it! So go ahead and give this easy yellow rice and chicken recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

I’ve made adjustments over the years to make it healthier without sacrificing any of that rich flavor.

Easy Yellow Rice and Chicken

4.9 from 1723 votes

A simple one-pot meal featuring tender chicken and aromatic yellow rice. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and requires minimal cleanup.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Rice

1 cup long grain white rice
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup diced carrots

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering.
3Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.
5Remove chicken and set aside.
6In the same skillet, add the rice, chicken broth, water, turmeric, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7Stir to combine and bring to a boil over high heat.
8Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
9The rice should be fluffy and separate.
10Stir in the frozen peas and diced carrots.
11Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice.
12Cover and cook for 5 more minutes until vegetables are heated through.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet with lid
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cumin or a bay leaf while cooking the rice. You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but reduce cooking time by 2 minutes per side.

Watch Video Of How Easy Yellow Rice and Chicken Works

This easy yellow rice and chicken recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – be it a weeknight dinner or special gathering – as it’s easy to make ahead of time and reheat when needed.

My family loves how versatile it is; we can serve it as is or add our favorite vegetables or proteins to suit our tastes.

A bonus is how nutritious this dish is due to the presence of vegetables like carrots and peas that add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow Rice and Chicken

Q: What type of rice should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use either white or brown rice. White rice will give you a lighter texture, while brown rice will add more fiber and nutty flavor.

Q: Can I substitute chicken with other protein sources?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with other protein sources like beef, pork, or tofu if you prefer.

Q: How long does it take to cook the yellow rice?

The cooking time for yellow rice depends on your preference for texture – if you like your rice soft, cook for about 15-20 minutes; if you prefer firmer rice, cook for 10-15 minutes.

Q: What if I don’t have saffron? Can I omit it?

Saffron gives this dish its signature color and flavor; however, if you don’t have saffron or prefer not to use it due to its expense or availability issues in your area – no problem!

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe can be prepared ahead of time; simply cook the yellow rice according to your preference (soft or firmer), then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

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