One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice combines bold, warming spices and tender chicken with perfectly fluffy jasmine rice—all in a single pot. It’s my ultimate shortcut for a flavorful, comforting meal that comes together in just an hour. Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and loads of flavor make this dish a total game-changer for busy nights.

This easy turmeric chicken recipe saves you time and stress without sacrificing taste. Forget juggling multiple pans or cleaning up a mess afterward—this recipe does it all in one pot. Whether you’re feeding the family after a long day or prepping for a weeknight dinner that’s ready in no time, this one’s a winner.

Why This One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice Is a Game-Changer

Time-saving: Traditional chicken and rice dishes can take over an hour and involve multiple pans; this version shaves prep and cleanup down to just one hour start to finish.
Minimal cleanup: One pot means you’re scrubbing fewer dishes, which is always a win in my book.
Hands-off cooking: Once everything is in the pot, the dish simmers on its own—giving you time to handle other tasks.
Incredible flavor: The turmeric, curry powder, and cinnamon infuse the entire dish with warm, spiced aromas that make your kitchen smell amazing.
Family-friendly: It’s a versatile dish that kids and adults will both enjoy, and you can tweak the heat or ingredients to suit everyone’s tastes.

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—you don’t need any fancy tools to make it happen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large casserole dish or Dutch oven: This ensures even cooking and has enough room to fit everything. I recommend a 5- to 6-quart pot for best results.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.

If you’re shopping for a Dutch oven, look for something oven-safe with a tight-fitting lid to lock in those flavors. Budget-friendly options like Lodge work just as well as high-end brands!

Simple Ingredients for One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice

Here are the key stars of the show:

Turmeric: The golden, earthy spice that gives this dish its vibrant color and warm flavor. Powdered turmeric is all you need—no need to hunt down fresh!
Jasmine rice: This fragrant rice cooks up beautifully and absorbs all those delicious flavors. Basmati works in a pinch, too!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps things lean and cooks quickly. You can also use thighs if you prefer a richer texture.
Fish sauce: This secret ingredient adds umami depth without tasting fishy. If you can’t find fish sauce, a dash of soy sauce works as a substitute.

One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice Recipe Details

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients for One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped tomatoes
2 cups green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup jasmine rice
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 1/2 cups chicken stock

How to Make One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sprinkle in the turmeric. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
To the same pot, toss in the onion, ginger, and garlic, stirring occasionally until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, green beans, curry powder, cinnamon, cumin, and jasmine rice. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Return the chicken and any juices to the pot. Add the bay leaves, fish sauce, and chicken stock, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Partially uncover the pot and continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a simple raita for extra cooling flavor.

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice

Toast your spices: Cooking the turmeric and spices in butter amps up their flavors.
Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the rice cook slowly ensures it absorbs all the flavors.
Prep ahead: Chop veggies and chicken in advance to save time when you’re ready to cook.
Skip the fish sauce: If you’re out, soy sauce or Worcestershire are great alternatives.
Store leftovers: This reheats beautifully—just add a splash of stock to revive the texture.

Quick Ways to Switch Up This One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice

Add heat: Toss in a diced red chili or a sprinkle of cayenne for a spicier kick.
Swap veggies: Don’t have green beans? Use peas, broccoli, or zucchini.
Make it vegetarian: Sub tofu or chickpeas for the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Go big on herbs: Add fresh cilantro or mint for a pop of brightness before serving.

One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra richness to the dish—just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may take a bit longer to brown.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

No problem! A large sauté pan with a deep lid works well, too. Just ensure it’s wide enough to cook the rice evenly.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat with a bit of water or stock to keep the rice from drying out.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written as long as your spices and chicken stock don’t contain hidden gluten.

What’s the best rice to use?

Jasmine rice is ideal, but basmati works great, too. Avoid using quick-cook varieties, as they might become mushy.

If you’re all about simple, flavorful meals, this One Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice won’t disappoint. What’s your favorite dinner shortcut? Let me know in the comments below and happy cooking!