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Chicken Tomato Rice: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 134 reviews

Chicken Tomato Rice is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic spices, combined with fluffy basmati rice cooked to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe balances savory flavors and a creamy finish, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sautéing

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated

Spices and Sauces

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (remaining)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • Salt to taste

Rice and Broth

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, for color and flavor)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green chilies (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
  2. Brown Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove browned chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pot. Add chopped onions and sauté over medium heat until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant to build the aromatic base.
  5. Add Spices: Mix in red chili powder (if using), garam masala, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder. Cook for 30 seconds while stirring constantly to release their flavors.
  6. Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Cook Sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Add Optional Ingredients: If using saffron threads and green chilies, add them during the last 5 minutes of simmering to infuse extra color, aroma, and heat.
  9. Prepare Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
  10. Add Rice to Sauce: Gently stir the rinsed rice into the simmering tomato sauce, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  11. Add Broth and Season: Pour in chicken broth and adjust salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  12. Cook Rice: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid, until the rice is tender and all liquid has been absorbed.
  13. Finish with Chicken and Cream: Once the rice is cooked, gently stir in the reserved cooked chicken and heavy cream, mixing carefully to combine without breaking the rice grains.
  14. Rest the Dish: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and the dish to finish cooking gently.
  15. Add Butter: Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter for richness and a silky finish.
  16. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top as a fresh garnish. Serve the dish hot for best flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies based on your preferred spice level.
  • Using basmati rice is recommended for its fragrance and fluffy texture.
  • Saffron is optional but adds a beautiful color and unique flavor.
  • Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures proper browning and flavor development.
  • Resting the dish after cooking helps meld the flavors together.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.

Keywords: chicken tomato rice, one pot meal, Indian chicken rice, garam masala chicken, basmati rice recipe, spicy chicken rice, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/chicken-tomato-rice-a-simple-and-delicious-recipe/