This dish features turmeric rice layered over tender meat with aromatic spices, herbs, and fried shallot, creating incredible flavors and colors enhanced by a tangy dipping sauce.

Ingredients
- 2cupsof jasmine rice
- 8inbones chicken pieces
- 2tbspcooking oil
- 1onion
- diced
- 2tomatoes
- piececut into small
- 1cinnamon stick
- 2bay leaves
- Some fried shallots
- 2cupswater
Chicken marinade ingredients
- 1tbspslightly slice ginger
- 5garlic cloves
- roughly sliced
- 2coriander roots
- 1/2cuphomemade buttermilk
- 1/2tspturmeric powder
- 1tspmild curry powder
- 2tbsplight soy sauce
Dipping sauce
- 1bunch coriander
- 1birds’ eye chili
- 3tbspof vinegar
- 1inginger
- grated
- 1tspsugar
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
328.8kcal (16.44%)
Protein
16.0g (32%)
Carbs
52.5g (19.09%)
Sugars
2.0g (4%)
Healthy Fat
4.0g
Unhealthy Fat
1.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Turmeric Chicken Rice
- Pound the garlic, ginger, and coriander roots into a paste with a mortar and pestle with a little salt. Move the paste into a mixing bowl or a plate and blend in the light soy sauce, turmeric, curry powder, and buttermilk. Turn the chicken over to coat. To let the flavours mingle, cover and refrigerate for two hours or overnight.
- In a large, deep-frying pan, heat up some cooking oil. Before putting the chicken in the heated oil, make sure to remove most of the marinade on each chicken piece, saving the marinade. Sear the chicken till golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Once browned, turn and sear the other side; We are trying to add some colour to the chicken, not to cook it. Move the chicken onto a platter. With the same pan, set aside about 3 tablespoons of the chicken fat.
- Sauté the onion with a pinch of salt and cook until the onion is soft. Then add the tomato and cook until the tomato is soft and pulpy. Add the rice and the fried shallots and stir to coat. Add the reserved marinade, water, cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Simmer while stirring. On top of the rice, arrange those sear chicken pieces. Turn down the heat to low and cover. Simmer until the rice is soft and the liquid has evaporated, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is done, remove the chicken and keep it covered with foil. Use a fork to fluff up the rice. There will always be a layer of rice that browns and sticks to the bottom of the pot. So, it's crucial to maintain LOW heat to avoid burning the stuck-on rice and giving burnt flavour to your rice.
- For the dipping sauce, just combine all the ingredients in a bowl, blend it with immersion blender until smooth. Set it aside.
- To serve, place the rice and chicken on a plate. Sprinkle with coriander and extra fried shallots. Serve with the green dipping sauce and the sweet chilli sauce on the side.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
328.8kcal (16.44%)
Protein
16.0g (32%)
Carbs
52.5g (19.09%)
Sugars
2.0g (4%)
Healthy Fat
4.0g
Unhealthy Fat
1.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
FAQS
How do I store leftover turmeric chicken rice?
To store leftover turmeric chicken rice, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in turmeric chicken rice?
If you don't have jasmine rice, you can substitute it with basmati rice for a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, replace the homemade buttermilk with coconut milk or a non-dairy yogurt. If you can't find coriander roots, you can use fresh cilantro stems instead, and feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
Is turmeric chicken rice suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, turmeric chicken rice can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular light soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you can enjoy this flavorful dish without any gluten concerns.
What can I serve with turmeric chicken rice for a complete meal?
Turmeric chicken rice pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables or a tangy cucumber salad to complement the flavors of the dish. Don't forget the dipping sauce for an extra kick!
How can I enhance the flavor of turmeric chicken rice during cooking?
To enhance the flavor of turmeric chicken rice, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or lime juice to the cooking water for a zesty touch. You can also incorporate additional spices like cardamom or cloves for a more aromatic profile. Sautéing the onions until caramelized before adding the rice will also deepen the flavor.
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Tham Jessica
(@jessieinthekitchen)
I loved to cook and enjoyed learning about all sort of cuisines. Today, I am still in the kitchen and every chance I get, I cook. Some days it isn’t even fancy or a hard recipe. Some days it’s a classic, but something that I’ve created. Cooking is my time to be me. I loved to cook and enjoyed learning about all sort of cuisines. Today, I am still in the kitchen and every chance I get, I...
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