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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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