Poulet au curcuma et riz

This onepan turmeric chicken and rice bowl brings together fragrant spices, tender chicken, and fresh spinach in a meal that supports clean eating and recovery. The ease of preparation and nutrientrich ingredients make it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without fuss.

I made this dish after a long day and appreciated how quickly it came together, while still feeling comforting and fresh. Since then, it has become one of my favorite meals to prepare when I want something nourishing but uncomplicated.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: lean protein that cooks quickly select firm, pale pink pieces without excess liquid
• Olive oil: provides healthy fats and helps brown the chicken choose extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor
• Small onion: adds sweetness and depth when cooked down prefer fresh, firm onions with dry skins
• Garlic cloves: essential for aromatic flavor use plump, unblemished cloves for the best aroma
• Fresh ginger: adds warmth and complements turmeric peel gently and look for firm roots with smooth skin
• Turmeric: the star antiinflammatory spice aim for highquality powder with a bright orange color
• Paprika: adds smokiness and a subtle sweetness Spanish smoked paprika is great if available
• Jasmine or basmati rice: these long-grain rices remain fluffy and separate when cooked
• Low sodium chicken broth: builds depth without overpowering saltiness homemade or goodquality store-bought
• Fresh spinach: provides vitamins and a vibrant green contrast select tender, crisp leaves
• Lemon juice: brightens and balances the dish
• Salt and black pepper: essential seasonings to enhance all flavors
• Greek yogurt (optional): adds creaminess and a cool finish pick plain fullfat for richness

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned all over and cooked through. This step locks in flavor and juices.

Cook the Aromatics:

Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Stir and cook gently until the onion softens and the mixture becomes fragrant, around 3 to 5 minutes. This builds the flavor base.

Add Spices and Season:

Sprinkle turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper directly over the chicken and aromatics. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken in the spices, which will develop their depth during cooking.

Incorporate the Rice:

Pour the rinsed rice into the pan and stir to combine it with the chicken and spices. Coating each grain helps the rice absorb flavors.

Add Broth and Simmer:

Pour in the chicken broth carefully. Bring to a gentle boil making sure the rice is fully submerged. Immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer without stirring for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and broth absorbed.

Wilt the Spinach:

Once the rice is cooked, stir the fresh spinach into the pan just until it wilts. This keeps it bright and tender.

Finish with Lemon:

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and adjust salt and pepper to taste. This adds brightness and lifts the flavors.

Serve:

Scoop into warm bowls and add a dollop of Greek yogurt if you like a creamy contrast.

Turmeric is my favorite ingredient here because of its beautiful color and subtle earthy tone that transforms a simple chicken and rice dish into something so special. One evening, I made this for a family dinner after a long week, and everyone loved the warm spices paired with the fresh lemon juice. It quickly became a comfort food in our home.

Conservation des restes

Wise storage extends this meal’s convenience. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice to prevent drying out and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Substitutions des ingrédients

If you do not have fresh spinach, try using kale or Swiss chard for more texture. Brown rice can substitute white rice but requires additional cooking time and liquid. Turkey breast or firm tofu also work well in place of chicken, adjusting cook time accordingly.

Suggestions de service

Serve this dish with a crisp side salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds on top adds crunch and extra nutrients. For a creamier touch, plain yogurt or a tahini drizzle complements the aromatic spices beautifully.

Simple meals like this remind me that good food heals. It’s nourishing, quick, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Comment obtenir un poulet tendre et juteux ?

Il est important de saisir le poulet à feu moyen dans l'huile d'olive jusqu'à légère coloration, puis de le cuire doucement avec le riz pour garder la chair moelleuse.

→ Puis-je remplacer le riz jasmin par un autre type de riz ?

Oui, le basmati peut être utilisé sans altérer la cuisson ni la texture finale du plat.

→ Comment incorporer les épinards dans la préparation ?

Ajoutez-les en fin de cuisson, juste assez longtemps pour qu'ils flétrissent sans perdre leur couleur vive ni leurs nutriments.

→ Quels aromates renforcent la saveur du curcuma ?

L'ail, le gingembre frais et le paprika apportent une profondeur parfumée qui relève parfaitement le curcuma.

→ Quel accompagnement suggérer pour ce plat ?

Une cuillerée de yaourt grec ajoute onctuosité et équilibre l’association d’épices.