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