Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice is a comforting and healthful meal packed with vibrant spices and fresh ingredients. It combines tender chicken and fragrant rice with turmeric’s natural benefits for a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through.
2. Step 2: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Stir well to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Pour in the rinsed rice and stir it into the chicken and spice mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook about 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
7. Step 7: Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
8. Step 8: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Scoop into bowls and top with Greek yogurt if desired for a creamy finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use brown rice for a heartier texture and additional fiber, increasing the cooking time accordingly.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if you enjoy spicy dishes.
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the Greek yogurt or substitute with coconut yogurt.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Add it at the same stage, but allow a few extra minutes for it to thaw and wilt completely.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats nicely and maintains flavor, making it a great option for preparing meals ahead of time.

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 186 reviews

This Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice recipe combines tender chicken breast with fragrant turmeric, paprika, and fresh ginger, cooked alongside fluffy jasmine or basmati rice and vibrant spinach. Enhanced with lemon juice and optionally topped with creamy Greek yogurt, this comforting one-pan dish is packed with bold flavors and health-boosting ingredients, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Grains & Liquids

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• Juice of ½ lemon

Optional

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the bite-size chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned and fully cooked through, ensuring a juicy texture.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger to the pan with the chicken. Stir frequently until the onions soften and the mixture becomes fragrant, releasing the depth of flavors.
3. Season the chicken: Sprinkle turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and aromatics. Mix thoroughly so all pieces are well coated with the spices, which imparts the signature anti-inflammatory and smoky taste.
4. Add the rice: Pour the rinsed jasmine or basmati rice directly into the pan. Stir the rice into the chicken and spice mixture, allowing the grains to be toasted lightly and infused with flavor.
5. Cook with broth: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, making sure the rice is fully covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat to start the cooking process.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, ensuring a perfectly cooked dish.
7. Add spinach: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, adding a fresh burst of color and nutrients to the meal.
8. Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, then adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed to enhance the bright and balanced flavors.
9. Serve: Scoop the turmeric chicken and rice into bowls, and optionally top each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang.

Notes

• Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt content better.
• Rinsing the rice helps to prevent it from becoming sticky and promotes fluffiness.
• Fresh turmeric can be substituted for ground turmeric but adjust quantities accordingly.
• For a dairy-free option, omit Greek yogurt or use a plant-based alternative.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: turmeric chicken recipe, anti-inflammatory recipes, chicken and rice, healthy chicken dinner, turmeric rice