Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice
Sarah Vance
Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Chicken & Rice cooks tender chicken breast, basmati or jasmine rice, turmeric, ginger, garlic, spinach, and lemon into one golden skillet meal with warm spices and a bright finish. It is a practical healthy dinner for family nights, make-ahead lunches, healthy at home lunches, and cozy winter dishes.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 348 kcal
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice rinsed
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt optional for serving
Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt, black pepper, turmeric, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large lidded skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken on the outside.
Add onion, garlic, and ginger, then cook until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed rice so it is coated with the seasoned onion mixture.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18 to 20 minutes.
Fold in spinach, cover briefly until wilted, then finish with lemon juice and adjust seasoning.
Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes, fluff the rice, and serve with Greek yogurt if desired.
Storage: Cool leftovers and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. The spinach will soften after thawing, but the chicken and rice still reheat well.
Reheating: Reheat with a splash of broth or water until the chicken and rice reach 165°F.
Expert Tips: Rinse the rice well, keep the lid closed while simmering, and let the skillet rest before fluffing.
Variations: Swap chicken thighs for breast, add peas or carrots, or finish with herbs for extra freshness.
Meal Prep: Pack Greek yogurt and lemon separately so each serving tastes fresh after reheating.
Keyword family dinner, healthy chicken dinner, meal prep lunch, one pan chicken and rice, turmeric chicken and rice