The Best One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice Recipe for Beginners

One pot Indian chicken and rice represents a culinary journey through fragrant spices and comforting textures that dance together in a single harmonious vessel.

Combining traditional techniques with modern convenience, this recipe refines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Warm, complex seasonings infuse each grain and tender chicken morsel with depth and character rarely found in simple meals.

Regional Indian cooking traditions shine through in the delicate balance of aromatic elements that elevate home cooking.

Complex flavors emerge without requiring complicated preparation, making this dish accessible to passionate home cooks seeking authentic tastes.

Layers of carefully selected spices create a symphony of sensations that transport you across continents with minimal effort.

Prepare to embark on a delicious adventure that promises both satisfaction and cultural connection.

Simple and Delicious One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice

• Savor Bold Indian Flavors: This recipe bursts with authentic spices like garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder, creating a vibrant taste profile that transports your palate directly to traditional Indian cuisine.
• Simplify Cooking with One-Pot Convenience: Streamline your meal preparation by using a single pan, reducing cleanup time and making this dish perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform an ordinary meal into an exciting culinary experience with layers of aromatic herbs, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice that come together in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What You Need for One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the heart of the dish, boneless and skinless cuts work best for even cooking and absorption of flavors.

• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component that tenderizes chicken and adds zesty freshness.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic base that provides deep, warm flavor and traditional Indian taste profile.
• Turmeric: Earthy spice with golden color and subtle warmth, known for health benefits.
• Red Chili Powder: Adds heat and vibrant color to the chicken marinade.
• Garam Masala: Complex spice blend that brings authentic Indian warmth and depth.
• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich ingredient that enhances overall seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor enhancement.

• Rice: Long-grain white rice provides perfect texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Chicken Stock: Rich liquid that infuses rice with additional savory depth.
• Ghee: Traditional Indian clarified butter that adds richness and authentic flavor.

• Coriander Leaves, Mint Leaves: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and aromatic complexity.
• Pomegranate Arils: Optional sweet-tart garnish for added texture and color.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh citrus accompaniment for squeezing over finished dish.

How to Cook One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Red chili powder
• Garam masala
• Soy sauce

Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors develop.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, reaching about 75% doneness. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Rice Base

• Rice
• Chicken stock
• Lemon juice
• Chopped coriander leaves
• Mint leaves

Stir ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors.

Step 4: Layer and Cook

Arrange partially cooked chicken evenly over rice mixture. Increase heat to boiling, then reduce to low simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges. Optional: Sprinkle pomegranate arils for extra sweetness. Serve hot directly from the pan.

Tips for Making One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to deeply infuse flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Brown Chicken Brilliantly: Ensure high heat when searing chicken to create a golden-brown crust that locks in juiciness and adds rich caramelized flavor.
• Rice Perfection Technique: Use long-grain basmati rice for authentic texture and rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking.
• Spice Balance Boost: Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red chili powder to match your personal heat preference without losing authentic taste.
• Moisture Management: Cover the pot tightly during simmering to trap steam, ensuring rice cooks evenly and chicken remains incredibly moist and tender.

How to Store and Reheat One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Freezing: Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Wrap containers with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated leftovers in a microwave or skillet. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Discard any reheated food not consumed within 2 days.

Best Pairings for One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Cooling Yogurt Raita: Whip up a creamy yogurt raita with cucumber, mint, and a pinch of cumin to balance the spicy chicken and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, aromatic rice dish.
• Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty citrus notes and herbal undertones that will complement the lemon and herb flavors in the chicken and rice.
• Serve with Mango Chutney on the Side: Offer a small bowl of sweet and tangy mango chutney to add a burst of fruity brightness that enhances the complex spices in the one-pot meal.
• Accompany with Light Cucumber Salad: Prepare a simple cucumber salad dressed with lime juice and fresh herbs to provide a cool, crunchy texture that cuts through the dish's warmth and richness.

Flavorful Variations of One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Fusion: Replace chicken with firm tofu or paneer, marinating with same spices for a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains authentic Indian flavors.
• Spicy Seafood Transformation: Swap chicken with succulent shrimp or white fish, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking while keeping the aromatic spice blend intact.
• Coconut Curry Remix: Incorporate coconut milk into the chicken stock for a creamy, rich texture that adds depth and smoothness to the traditional one-pot rice preparation.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Introduce olives, feta cheese, and swap garam masala with oregano and za'atar spice blend to create a cross-cultural culinary experience with similar cooking techniques.

One Pot Indian Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Indian chicken and rice merge in this comforting one-pot wonder, showcasing bold North Indian flavors with tender chicken and fragrant basmati rice. Hearty and satisfying, you’ll savor each aromatic bite of this simple yet delicious meal that brings authentic Indian cuisine directly to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 chicken

Grains:

• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 4 cups (32 fluid ounces) chicken stock or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• Juice from 1 large lemon
• Salt to taste

Herbs and Garnish:

• ¼ cup coriander leaves
• ¼ cup mint leaves
• Coriander leaves or mint leaves, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for garnish
• Pomegranate arils, for optional garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by blending lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and soy sauce into a robust marinade. Sprinkle salt and black pepper, then refrigerate the mixture for half an hour to allow flavors to meld.
2. Melt ghee in a sturdy, large pan over medium-high temperature, creating a golden cooking surface. Introduce marinated chicken pieces, searing until golden brown and approximately 75% cooked through, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same pan to combine long-grain basmati rice with rich chicken stock, a splash of lemon juice, and finely chopped fresh coriander and mint leaves. Gently stir to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
4. Carefully arrange the partially cooked chicken atop the rice mixture, creating an even layer. Increase heat until the liquid reaches a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and allow to cook for 12-15 minutes.
5. Verify rice tenderness and liquid absorption by gently fluffing with a fork. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow remaining steam to complete cooking.
6. Present the dish with a flourish of fresh coriander leaves, accompanied by zesty lemon wedges. Optional garnish includes vibrant pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of color and sweetness.

Notes

• Marinating unlocks deep, complex flavors by allowing spices to penetrate chicken thoroughly before cooking.
• Ghee adds rich, nutty undertones and authentic Indian cooking technique that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Layering chicken over rice creates a strategic cooking method ensuring even heat distribution and preventing rice from becoming mushy.
• Simmering with a tight lid traps steam, resulting in perfectly tender chicken and fluffy rice with concentrated spice blend.
• Garnishing with fresh herbs and pomegranate arils provides bright, tangy contrast and beautiful visual appeal to the final presentation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg