Flavorful One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and flavor, and this one-pot Indian chicken and rice recipe delivers both with stunning ease.

Aromatic spices dance through tender chicken pieces, infusing each grain of basmati rice with rich, warm notes.

The magic happens when everything simmers together in a single pot, creating layers of complex, mouth-watering tastes that transport you straight to the vibrant streets of India.

Fragrant cardamom, cumin, and turmeric mingle with succulent chicken, promising a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Each forkful tells a story of traditional cooking techniques blended with modern convenience.

This isn’t just another chicken dish – it’s a culinary adventure waiting to unfold on your dinner table.

Let’s find out this recipe and let your kitchen become a gateway to incredible Indian flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice

• Ghee or Oil: Adds rich, nutty flavor and prevents sticking, choose high-quality clarified butter or neutral cooking oil.
• Chicken Stock or Broth: Provides deep, savory foundation for rice, select low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Basmati Rice: Long-grain rice with delicate aroma, rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffy texture.

• Lemon: Brings vibrant citrus punch and cuts through richness, choose ripe, heavy lemons with smooth skin.
• Coriander Leaves, Mint Leaves: Adds fresh, herbal notes and beautiful green color, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Pomegranate Arils: Optional jewel-like garnish that provides sweet-tart crunch and visual appeal.

• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt for best taste.
• Lemon Wedges: Allows diners to adjust citrus intensity to personal preference, cut fresh just before serving.

Cooking Tools for Indian Chicken and Rice in One Pot

• Large Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Perfect for even heat distribution and preventing burning.
• Cutting Board: Essential for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chopping of garlic, ginger, and herbs.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps maintain accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Plate: Used for transferring partially cooked chicken.

Instructions to Make Indian Chicken and Rice Easily

• Flavor Infusion

Blend aromatic spices and zesty citrus into tender chicken pieces, allowing ingredients to dance together in a refrigerated marinade for a flavor explosion.

• Golden Sizzle

Create a rich, caramel-like crust on chicken by searing in golden ghee, developing deep flavor notes that will make taste buds sing.

• Rice Symphony

Combine fragrant rice with herb-infused liquid, creating a luxurious base that will absorb all the delicious chicken essences.

• Gentle Transformation

Layer marinated chicken atop rice, letting everything simmer slowly until grains become perfectly tender and ingredients meld into a harmonious meal.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh herbs and bright pomegranate jewels over the dish, adding vibrant color and unexpected bursts of fresh flavor that elevate the entire experience.

Flavor Tips and Mix-Ins for Indian Chicken and Rice

• Experiment with different spice blends like cajun, moroccan, or thai seasoning to transform the dish's flavor profile and keep your taste buds excited.
• Try basmati, jasmine, or brown rice as alternatives to create unique textures and nutritional variations while maintaining the one-pot magic.
• Toss in diced bell peppers, cauliflower, or green peas during the rice cooking process to add extra nutrition and colorful excitement to the meal.
• Substitute chicken with lamb, tofu, or shrimp to create entirely new versions of this versatile one-pot wonder that suits different dietary preferences.
• Transform any remaining chicken and rice into delicious stuffed peppers, quick wraps, or a next-day lunch bowl by adding fresh herbs and a splash of yogurt for renewed flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Indian Chicken and Rice

• Flavor-Packed Plating: Serve this vibrant one-pot chicken and rice on a large decorative platter, allowing the golden-brown chicken to sit atop the fragrant rice, creating an inviting visual feast that showcases the dish's rich colors and textures.
• Fresh Herb Explosion: Sprinkle generous handfuls of freshly chopped mint and coriander leaves over the dish just before serving, adding a burst of green and a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the rich, spiced chicken.
• Tangy Accompaniment Boost: Place lemon wedges and a small bowl of cooling raita (yogurt sauce) on the side, letting diners customize their plate with extra citrusy brightness and creamy contrast to the spiced chicken and rice.
• Pomegranate Jewel Finish: Scatter vibrant ruby-red pomegranate arils across the top of the dish for a sweet-tart pop of color and unexpected burst of freshness that complements the warm Indian spices.

Storing and Reheating Indian Chicken and Rice

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and energy.
• Refrigerator Refresh Technique: Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken and rice separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual servings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, which stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Revival Trick: Warm gently in a microwave or skillet with a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and bring back the dish's original vibrant flavors, ensuring each bite tastes just as delightful as the first serving.

Hearty One-Pot Indian Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mastering this one pot Indian chicken and rice recipe delivers complex spices and hearty comfort in a single skillet. Fragrant basmati rice and tender chicken combine with aromatic North Indian seasonings for a delicious meal you’ll savor until the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 chicken
• 2 cups basmati rice (rinsed)
• 4 cups / 32 fl oz chicken stock or chicken broth
• 2 tbsps ghee or oil
• Juice from 1 large lemon
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup coriander leaves
• ¼ cup mint leaves
• Coriander leaves or mint leaves (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)
• Pomegranate arils (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Blend lemon juice, garlic, ginger, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and soy sauce to create a vibrant marinade. Season with salt and black pepper, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to intensify flavors.
2. Sear Chicken: Melt ghee in a large pan over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces until golden and nearly cooked through, then set aside on a separate plate.
3. Build Rice Base: In the same pan, combine basmati rice, chicken stock, lemon juice, chopped coriander, and mint leaves. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly and create a fragrant foundation.
4. Layer and Simmer: Arrange partially cooked chicken over the rice mixture. Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover with a tight lid and cook for 12-15 minutes until rice becomes tender.
5. Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes to allow residual steam to finish cooking. Fluff rice with a fork, then adorn with fresh coriander leaves, lemon wedges, and optional pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and sweetness.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Allow chicken to rest in marinade for at least 30 minutes to deepen flavor penetration and tenderize meat effectively.
• Perfect Searing Technique: Brown chicken on high heat to lock in juices and create caramelized exterior, ensuring maximum flavor development.
• Rice Liquid Ratio: Use precise chicken stock measurement to achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy basmati rice without becoming soggy or undercooked.
• Resting is Crucial: Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow steam to distribute evenly and complete the cooking process, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly textured rice.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg