Best Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe with Easy Instructions

chicken and yellow rice recipe

Let me tell you about one of my favorite recipes: chicken and yellow rice recipe. This dish is so comforting and delicious that you will love it. Imagine succulent chicken cooked with soft rice that has been infused with saffron or turmeric, giving it that beautiful, golden-yellow color. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors of the chicken, making every bite satisfying and full of flavor.

Chicken and yellow rice is a dish that is especially popular in Spanish, Cuban, and Latin American cuisine. It’s simple to make, yet packed with flavor. The best part about this recipe is that it uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that’s easy to make.

Why you’ll love this recipe

I love making this dish because it’s a one-pot meal – meaning less clean-up! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to eat something delicious but don’t have time for a complicated recipe. The best part is that the chicken and rice cook together, so the rice absorbs all the spices and flavors from the chicken, making it even more delicious.

Why you should try this recipe

This chicken and yellow rice recipe is special because it is so versatile. You can use different types of chicken – like drumsticks, thighs or even boneless pieces – depending on what you have on hand. Also, you can change up the spices to suit your preferences.

  • If you like a milder flavor, you can use turmeric for a light earthy flavor.
  • If you want something more intense, saffron will provide a deeper flavor and aroma.

Ingredients for Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe

Let’s all come together to prepare a delicious meal of chicken and yellow rice recipe. Here is a comprehensive list of the materials you will need, along with some explanations:

Chicken pieces: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken legs or breasts for maximum flavor. Aim for around 680-900 grams of chicken.

Salt: Which enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Black Pepper: Adds an extra dose of spice and flavor to the chicken.

Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and add richness to the dish.

Garlic paste: Provides delicious flavor to the chicken.

Basmati or long-grain rice: Choose high-quality rice for the best texture. You’ll need about 1.5 cups (300 g) of rice. You can increase or decrease it as per your requirement.

Sous vide chicken: Provides a flavorful base for the rice. You’ll need about 2.5 cups (600 ml) of sous vide.

Turmeric: This gives the rice a beautiful yellow color. Use about 1 teaspoon.

Cumin: Adds earthy flavor and depth to the rice. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.

Paprika: Mildly spicy and adds depth of flavor. Use about 1/2 teaspoon.

Bay leaf: Adds a mild aroma to the rice. One or two leaves will suffice.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the rice.

Peas (optional): Adds color and texture to the rice. Use 1/2 cup (75 g) of frozen peas.

Cooking Instructions of Chicken and yellow rice recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Cleaning the Chicken

Wash hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the chicken.
Wash the chicken: Place the chicken pieces under cold running water. Wash them thoroughly to clean off any residue or fingerprints.
Pat dry: Use a paper towel to dry the chicken pieces. This helps in better absorption of the marinade and ensures uniform cooking.

Cutting the Chicken

Select pieces: Decide what size and type of chicken pieces you want. Common choices include drumsticks, thighs, breast pieces, or whole chicken cut into pieces.
Cutting Technique: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around the joints to separate the chicken into desired pieces. If you are not confident in your cutting skills, you can buy pre-cut chicken pieces from the store

chicken and yellow rice recipe

chicken and yellow rice recipe

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

For Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe Cooking chicken is a delicious adventure! Here’s a simple and effective way to get a golden brown exterior while ensuring that your chicken is cooked perfectly.

  • Give the chicken a liberal amount of salt and pepper. For additional flavor, you can also add other spices like paprika, garlic powder, or mint. Allow the meat to sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes so the spices penetrate in.
  • Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan and let it heat until it shimmers. This will create a nice wound on the chicken.
  • Carefully place the chicken pieces, skin side down, in the hot pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and browning. Let the chicken cook without moving for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  • Once the skin is nicely browned, use tongs to turn the chicken pieces. Cook the other side for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown.
  • To ensure that the chicken is completely cooked, make a small incision near the bone to check if the juices run clear, indicating that it is cooked.
  • Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towel for a few minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed throughout the meat, ensuring that it remains juicy.
  • Now your perfectly cooked chicken is ready to serve with delicious yellow rice.

chicken and yellow rice recipe

chicken and yellow rice recipe

chicken and yellow rice recipe

Step 3: Preparing the Yellow Rice

  • First, wash the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice from becoming sticky.
  • Strain the washed rice in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess water.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. When hot, add ground turmeric to the oil and stir for about 30 seconds. This helps in bringing out the flavor and color of turmeric. If you are using saffron threads, you can also add them at this stage to enhance the aromatic flavor and color of the rice.
  • Now, add the washed and drained rice to a saucepan with turmeric oil. Stir gently to coat the rice evenly with the turmeric.
    Pour in chicken broth. Add salt to season the liquid.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high flame. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice boil on low flame for about 18-20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid and cook.
  • After 18-20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice sit for an additional 5-10 minutes. Due to this, the rice gets steam and cooking is completed after turning off the flame.
  • Your aromatic and vibrant yellow rice is now ready to serve with your favorite chicken dish or any other main dish.

chicken and yellow rice recipe

chicken and yellow rice recipe

chicken and yellow rice recipe

chicken and yellow rice recipe

Step 4: Combining Chicken and Rice

Using a fork, fluff the cooked yellow rice and then transfer it to a serving plate or individual plates.
Using puffed yellow rice, arrange sliced chicken breasts to create a visually appealing arrangement. For color and flavor, garnish meals with fresh chopped parsley.
For added freshness, serve hot with lemon slices on the side. Just before eating, squeeze a little lemon juice on the chicken and rice to enhance the flavor.

chicken and yellow rice recipe

chicken and yellow rice recipe

chicken and yellow rice recipe

Health Benefits

  • Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair and overall health.
  • Protein helps you feel full longer, which can aid weight management by reducing the urge to snack on unhealthy foods.
  • It also supports immune function, making it important for a healthy immune system.
  • Yellow rice, often seasoned with spices such as turmeric, is usually made from whole grains, which provide more fiber than white rice.

FAQs about Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe

What ingredients do I need for Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe?
You’ll need chicken pieces, rice, onions, garlic, bell peppers, turmeric, chicken broth, and some spices like salt and pepper.

How do I make Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe?
Start by browning the chicken, then sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add rice and spices, cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer until rice is tender. Serve with chicken on top.

What can I serve with Chicken and Yellow Rice?
You can serve it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even some grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Why is yellow rice so good?
Yellow rice is delicious due to its unique blend of spices, such as turmeric, which gives it a vibrant color and distinctive flavor. Additionally, yellow rice often includes aromatic ingredients such as onion and garlic, which enhance its flavor and appeal.

Related articles

Chicken Philly Sliders

Best Chicken Philly Sliders Recipe for Beginners

I recently tried making Chicken Philly Sliders, and they were a huge hit! These little sandwiches are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a fun snack on lazy weekends. The best part about this recipe is that they are so easy to make, and you don’t need to be a cooking expert to make

Read More »
Chicken Patty Sliders

Chicken Patty Sliders – Best Way to Impress Your Guests

Hey there, young chefs and food lovers! Are you ready to learn about the most amazing mini burgers ever? Today, we’re going to talk about chicken patty sliders! These little sandwiches are not only super delicious but also really fun to make. They’re perfect for parties, family dinners, or just when you want to eat

Read More »
Spicy Chicken Sliders Recipe

Quick and Easy Spicy Chicken Sliders Recipe

Hey there, young chefs! Are you ready to make something super delicious? Today, we’re going to learn how to make spicy chicken sliders. Don’t worry if you’ve never made them before – this recipe is easy and fun! These sliders are like mini burgers but with chicken instead of beef. They’re perfect for when you

Read More »
Fried Chicken Sliders

Easy Homemade Fried Chicken Sliders in 30 Minutes

Hey there, young chefs! Are you ready to make some super tasty food that’ll have your family and friends begging for more? Well, get ready because we’re about to learn how to make some amazing fried chicken sliders that are so easy, you’ll be shocked! And the best part? It only takes 30 minutes! Let’s get

Read More »