Easy Chicken And Yellow Rice Recipe

Welcome to another tasty dish of chicken and yellow rice recipe! This is one of the most loved foods in the world, combining flavourful rice, tender chicken pieces, and a few other delicious ingredients. Stay with us for the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering recipe, perfect for dinner and lunch. Before stepping into the cooking method let's discuss the amount of the ingredients required for this dish. The quantities listed here are for 3 servings, but you can adjust them according to your savings.

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg chicken pieces:
• Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• 2 cups long-grain white rice:
• Rice is a rich carbohydrate that provides energy and is a key ingredient for this dish.
• 3 cups chicken broth:
• You can also use water, but broth enhances the taste of rice and keeps it moist.
• 1 medium-sized chopped onion:
• Onion adds a natural taste and deep flavor.
• 1.5 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric:
• Turmeric provides a vibrant yellow color to the rice and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
• 2 tablespoons peas (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

Apply salt, black pepper, and paprika to the chicken pieces. This spice mixture enhances the natural flavour of the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Cooking the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers are tender. This step creates a flavorful base for the rice.

Cooking the Rice:

Add the rice to the skillet and stir to mix with the vegetables. Toasting the rice slightly will add a nutty flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth, turmeric, and saffron (if using). Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Combining and Finishing:

While the rice is cooking, slice the cooked chicken pieces into bite-sized pieces.
Once the rice is done, stir in the peas (if using) and add the sliced chicken back to the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and leave it covered for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Your dish is now ready to serve! If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutritional Benefits

Every day we eat something but we don't look at its benefits and drawbacks. Knowing about nutritional advantages and factors is important for health. Because of health issues, sometimes we need to avoid foods. Let's see a few nutritional benefits of the main ingredients in this recipe. The chicken and yellow rice recipe is not only delicious but also offers numerous nutritional advantages.

Lean Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Garlic: Boosts the immune system and may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamins C and A, supporting immune health and skin integrity.
Olive Oil: A healthy fat known for its heart-protective benefits.

Additional Tips

You can also use raw (uncooked) chicken pieces, which will save you extra cooking time.

In this recipe, we used already-cooked chicken pieces. Alternatively, you can use raw chicken pieces.
Add raw chicken pieces to the oil and spice mixture and mix well.
Cook the chicken with spices for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
Add water or chicken broth, stir well, and bring to a boil.
Pour in the rice, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes.
Once the water is absorbed, take it off the flame and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Variation

To cook a different dish, you can simply change some of the ingredients in the current Chicken and yellow rice recipe. The quantities will remain the same for 3 servings as in the above dish.

If you want to prepare a Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe use the below ingredients.

• 1 teaspoon paprika (or use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor).
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or white pepper if you prefer).
• Omit or use additional turmeric if you want to maintain the color.
• 1/2 cup frozen or fresh vegetables (such as peas, corn, or diced bell peppers).
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or use cilantro or basil if you prefer).
• 1 cup cream or milk (for creaminess; substitute with coconut milk or almond milk if dairy-free).
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional; substitute with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast if desired).

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

• Season and brown the chicken as per your original recipe. For the casserole, you’ll shred or dice the chicken after cooking.

Cook the Vegetables:

• Use the same method to sauté the onions and garlic, and then add the vegetables.

Cook the Rice:

• For Wild Rice: Add wild rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the broth, turmeric, and saffron if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender.

Combine and Assemble:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice mixture with shredded chicken, cream or milk, and cheese if using. Mix well.
• Transfer to a greased baking dish, spread evenly, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil to add a vibrant touch and enhance the flavor of your dish.