Easy Chicken Dinners, Rice Cooker Style

By Posted on

A Symphony of Flavors

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey. A journey through the vibrant spices of India, the fragrant saffron of Spain, and the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals. It’s a dish that celebrates diversity, a harmonious blend of cultures, all cooked to perfection in a humble rice cooker.

Ingredients:

Rice Cooker Hainanese Chicken Rice
Rice Cooker Hainanese Chicken Rice

Image Source: wokandskillet.com

For the chicken:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt

    • For the Rice:

  • 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • Preparation:

    1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add olive oil and Greek yogurt, mixing well to coat the chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
    2. Cook the Rice: In your rice cooker, combine the rinsed basmati rice, chicken broth, saffron water, and salt. Set the rice cooker to the “Cook” setting and let it do its magic.
    3. Cook the Chicken: Once the rice is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
    4. Combine and Finish: Transfer the browned chicken to the rice cooker, along with any juices from the skillet. Stir gently to combine. Let the rice cooker finish cooking the chicken and rice together, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

    Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

    Serving Ideas:

    Aromatic Basmati Rice: Serve the Golden Turmeric Chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice.

  • Creamy Yogurt Sauce: A dollop of creamy yogurt sauce adds a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken.
  • Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of flavor.
  • Warm Naan: Serve with warm naan bread for a complete meal.

    • A Culinary Fusion

    This dish is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. The Indian spices, the Spanish saffron, and the Greek yogurt create a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exotic. The simplicity of the rice cooker allows us to focus on the flavors, making this a truly special meal.