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Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice

A close-up of a flavorful chicken and rice dish, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, perfect for dorm-friendly easy dinner recipes.

A simple and flavorful one-pot chicken and rice dish with aromatic spices, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • Cayenne Pepper to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 cup Basmati Rice
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • Fresh Parsley for garnish
  • Lemon Wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Combine cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken thighs with the spice mixture.
  3. Sear the seasoned chicken thighs in the pot for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent.
  5. Add rinsed basmati rice to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent.
  6. Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot.
  7. Pour in chicken broth, stir gently, and bring to a boil.
  8. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  9. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let sit for 10 minutes.
  10. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Substitute olive oil with any neutral oil if needed.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and rice, middle eastern recipe, one pot meal, easy dinner, budget recipe, dorm friendly