Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice is a comforting and healthy meal packed with warm spices and fresh ingredients. It’s easy to make and perfect for a nourishing weeknight dinner that supports wellbeing.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through.
2. Step 2: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Stir well to coat.
4. Step 4: Pour in the rinsed rice and stir it into the chicken and spices.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, ensuring the rice is covered.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook about 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
7. Step 7: Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
8. Step 8: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish and adjust seasoning to taste.
9. Step 9: Scoop into bowls and top with Greek yogurt if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness.
• Swap spinach for kale or swiss chard for a different leafy green.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables to boost the meal’s nutrient profile.
• For a vegan option, replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine or basmati?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.

Is turmeric safe to eat every day?

Turmeric is generally safe in normal culinary amounts and has anti-inflammatory benefits, but it’s best to consult your doctor if you have any health concerns or are on medication.

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews

This Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and nutritious spinach to create a wholesome, flavorful one-pan meal. Rich in turmeric and ginger, it supports inflammation reduction while delivering comforting warmth and satisfying textures. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it balances protein, grains, and greens in a simple stovetop preparation.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Grains & Liquids

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• Juice of ½ lemon

Optional

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan with the chicken. Stir continuously and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and the mixture becomes fragrant.
3. Add spices and seasoning: Sprinkle turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and aromatics. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken with the spices, allowing their flavors to meld.
4. Add rice: Pour the rinsed jasmine or basmati rice into the pan. Stir thoroughly to integrate the rice with the spices and chicken mixture.
5. Add broth and cook rice: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, making sure the rice is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
6. Simmer and cook covered: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
7. Incorporate spinach: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
8. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish and taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for your preference.
9. Serve with optional yogurt: Scoop the turmeric chicken and rice into bowls and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired to add creaminess and balance flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute kale or Swiss chard for the spinach if preferred.
• Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level; adjust salt accordingly.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding turmeric and paprika.
• Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Greek yogurt topping is optional but adds a nice creamy texture and extra protein.

Keywords: turmeric chicken, anti-inflammatory recipe, chicken and rice, healthy dinner, one-pan meal, turmeric rice, ginger chicken