Fragrant turmeric and saffron rice cooked with chicken and some peas to add texture and color, and all in one pot for more flavor and less cleanup. The perfect one-pot chicken meal for a busy weeknight.
Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.
Chicken and rice recipe
- A simple yet so flavorful comfort meal that has been in the family for years and tested by many generations.
- This is a really handy recipe if you’ve got a big family and need to feed them something delicious quickly.
- A versatile family favorite meal that is customizable with your favorite proteins, veggies, or spices.
Chicken with yellow rice, also known as Arroz con Pollo, is a classic easy recipe from Spain and Latin America. This is my Arabic version of the recipe inspired by my mom. We love anything and everything yellow rice and this one is a complete meal by itself. Have some salad on the side and dinner is served.
Ingredients you'll need
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient notes
- Chicken tenders, you can use chicken breasts as well.
- For the yellow rice mix: I used Basmati rice. Any plain white rice work you'll need to adjust the water level accordingly.
- Frozen green peas
- Saffron, turmeric and paprika for the main spices.
- Salt and black peppers.
- Onion and garlic for the flavor base.
- Chicken broth and water are the cooking liquid combination.
Adaptable recipe – make it your own!
- Use different cuts of chicken, they all work fine just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken thighs or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Load it up with vegetables. Stir in beans, carrots, bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Spice it up by adding a little bit of cayenne or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken.
Before you begin: essential tools
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- Large pot or a deep skillet
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Step by step: instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- In a large skillet or a Dutch oven, over medium high heat, heat oil then add seasoned chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes each side . Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same pot add the remaining oil and saute onions for 2 minutes then stir in garlic for another 30 seconds. Remove pot from heat.
- Add rice and spices to the pot.
- Mix well to combine until all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Mix in frozen peas.
- Arrange the chicken pieces over the rice.
- Pour chicken broth and boiling water, cover, and bake in the oven until done.
- Take out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes then fluff with a spatula. Serve garnished with green onions or chopped fresh parsley.
My notes
- Baking in the oven is my favorite way, but if you do not like to bake the dish, you can finish it on the stove on medium low heat until done.
- If you do not have saffron just skip it and add a bit more turmeric.
Your questions answered: FAQs
This recipe is so forgiving, meaning you can use whatever chicken you have. In my home my kids prefer chicken tenders but you can use chicken breast, thighs, drumsticks, you can use boneless or bone-in chicken. Make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
I prefer Basmati or Jasmine and I remember my mom cooking it with short grain rice too. So use whatever you have but just adjust the water level of course.
Absolutely! Sear the chicken in the rice cooker set on the saute option. Then add onions and sauté. Add everything to the rice cooker and cook as usual.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate- Place leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freeze- Place cooled rice in a container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat - on the stove with a splash of water or broth. You can also microwave covered until thoroughly heated.
You are going to love this easy chicken and yellow rice recipe, especially on busy days. If you do not want it baked, you can for sure finish it off on the stovetop or use your rice cooker.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. Serve it with some roasted vegetables or if you need something quick try this Air fryer frozen broccoli, or asparagus with a sprinkle of Parmesan, so good.
You'll also like
Rice is the foundation of countless beloved dishes around the globe. I have many rice recipes that make this superstar ingredient shine.
Chicken and yellow rice
Ingredients
- A pinch of saffron threads.
- ¼ cup hot water.
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil divided.
- 1 pound Chicken tenders. About 6 pieces.
- Salt and pepper.
- 1 onion (200g) , diced.
- 2 garlic cloves minced.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) basmati rice.
- 1 ½ teaspoon turmeric powder.
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste.
- ½ teaspoon paprika.
- 1 cup 130g frozen peas.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth.
- 1 cup boiling water.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, soak saffron threads in ¼ boiling water.
- Sprinkle some salt and black pepper to season chicken on both sides.
- In a pot over medium-high heat, pour two tablespoons of olive oil and heat.
- Add chicken tenders and lightly brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot add remaining oil sauté onions for 2 minutes.
- Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Turn heat off and remove the pot from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 350F.
- If your pot can go to the oven continue with the recipe in the pot otherwise empty pot into a baking dish.
- Add rice, turmeric, paprika, salt and the saffron with its water.
- Mix them all well.
- Mix in frozen peas and return chicken to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth and boiling water. With a spoon try to mix everything so the chicken is covered with the cooking liquids.
- Cover and bake in the middle rack of your oven for 30-40 minutes.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes then fluff with a rubber spatula.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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maggie
Can this be made in an Instant Pot?
Amira
I haven't tried that yet Maggie, sorry about that. Let us know if you do. Thanks
Maria
Looks delicious yet easy to prepare. Thanks for sharing
Carrie M.
I am always looking for recipes that my Egyptian husband and I will both enjoy. This is one of those recipes. I skipped the saffron & rice etc steps and used a packaged yellow rice with saffron product (& we use frozen peas AND carrots). Comes out perfect every time! My husband asks me to make it a couple times a month now, one of his favorites. Thank you!
Diana Rivera
Excellent
Shoni
Can the whole thing just be cooked on the stovetop and bypass the oven completely?
Amira
I haven't tried it that way but I do not see why not. The oven gives it a specia smell though.
Samantha
Mine hadn’t even started boiling when I opened the lid at 30 min. Maybe there should be instructions to thaw the peas first?
Amira
Samantha, I cannot imagine how just one cup of frozen peas would cause this not to boil after 30 minutes in the oven regarding that we are using boiling water and the pot is already hot!
Sommer Osman
Recipe was perfect. My husband was totally against this at first but then after he tried it, he loved it. I’m also happy my daughter can have extra veggies with her meal. Overall, another hit recipe and very easy to make
Ramina
The taste is great. I had to substitute extra turmeric and paprika for the saffron as I was out. Unfortunately the rice is still hard. Suggestions?
Amira
Ramina, it is recommended to use 1:1.5 basmati rice to liquid ratio. I've used a little bit more for the chicken and vegetables to be cooked thoroughly. If your rice is still not cooked to your liking try adding a bit more water or chicken stock and cook it on your stove until it reaches your desired texture. I hope this helps. Thanks
Abeer
Made it today and the whole family loved it. A new addition to our menu for sure. Thank you for such a wonderful recipe.
Amira
So glad your family liked it Abeer, thank you so much dear for your comment.
Irina
Just finished preparing this dish...It is soooo good ...I do not have words!
Amira
Aww, you are so sweet. Thank you so much for your feedback Irina, so happy you liked it.
Mary Frances
My mouth is watering looking at these pictures. Thanks for sharing the video - very clear and helpful!
Rafeeda
Such a flavorful rice! My kids would love this if I substitute the green peas with sweet corn... hehe... Mom's food is always the best...
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz
One pot meals are the best! And I was hooked on turmeric and saffron, ps cinnamon and cardamom too, very fragrant!
Juliana
I always like rice dishes and this one looks so pretty and tasty...love the color of the saffron and all he spices in it.
Hope you are having a great week Amira 🙂
Liz
Who doesn't love a one-pot meal! I love turmeric and your rice dish looks so yummy!
John/Kitchen Riffs
I love this dish! I make almost the identical dish, but mine is meatless. Never even thought to include meat! But you know I will. 🙂 This is great -- thanks!
Marie
All rice recipes are more than welcome. We don't know what to do withe rice here in France.
My ex-husband used to cook rice with turmeric, sultanas, carrots and chicken.
Will definitely try this recipe Amira.
Many Thanks.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
I love the cardamom, cinnamon and saffron in this dish. Yum!