Hey, food lovers! If you’re a fan of quick, easy, and flavorful meals, then this One-Pot Chicken Tikka Rice is going to be your new best friend. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover ingredients, packed with bold spices and a rich, saucy finish. Best of all, it’s made in one pot, which means minimal cleanup afterward! I absolutely love making this dish when I want a meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and doesn’t take too much time or effort.
Method
Marinate the Chicken (Optional Step for Extra Flavor)
Start by marinating your diced chicken in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of tikka curry powder, 1 tablespoon of tomato purée, and 1 crushed garlic clove. Give it a good stir to ensure the chicken is well-coated. Set it aside to let the flavors infuse for at least 15 minutes, though if you’re in a rush, you can skip this marinating step and move on to cooking right away.
Cook the Vegetables
In a large frying pan or skillet, heat a few sprays of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and red pepper. Stir occasionally, letting them soften for about 3-5 minutes. This will give the vegetables a nice, tender texture, which will serve as the base for the rich flavors to come.
Cook the Chicken
Once the vegetables are softened, add the marinated chicken (or un-marinated if you’re skipping the marination) to the pan. Stir the chicken around to ensure it’s evenly cooked, letting it brown and cook through completely. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and slightly crispy on the outside for added flavor.
Add the Seasonings
Now, it’s time to add the seasonings! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and ½ teaspoon of ground coriander, along with ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the chicken and vegetables are coated evenly with the spices. The fragrance of the spices will fill your kitchen at this point – a good sign that you’re on the right track!
Add Tomatoes and Stir
Pour in the tinned tomatoes (100g, or about ¼ can), and give everything a good stir. This will help create a flavorful base for the rice to soak up as it cooks. Make sure all the ingredients are well-coated with the tomato mixture. Allow it to simmer for a minute or two, letting the tomatoes soften and mix with the spices.
Add Rice and Stock
Next, add the uncooked basmati rice directly to the pan. Pour in the 225ml of chicken stock, making sure that the rice is well-covered. Give it one last stir to ensure all the rice is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing it to bubble for a minute.
Simmer and Steam
Once the pan reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the delicious flavors of the chicken, tomatoes, and spices. After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the heat but leave the lid on. Let it sit for another 10 minutes to allow the rice to fully steam and absorb the last bit of moisture.
Serve and Garnish
Once the rice has finished steaming, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve the One-Pot Chicken Tikka Rice hot, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander if you like. This adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich, bold flavors of the dish.
Necessary Tools
- A large frying pan or skillet with a lid
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- A measuring jug for stock and rice
One Pot Chicken Tikka Rice A Simple, Flavorful Meal!
Cuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy1
servings15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesIngredients
125g raw chicken, diced
Marinade 1 tbsp tikka curry powder, 1 tbsp tomato purée, 1 crushed garlic clove
A few sprays of olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 tsp salt
Seasoning 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander
100g basmati rice (uncooked)
100g tinned tomatoes (1/4 can)
225ml chicken stock
Directions
- Optional Step (for extra flavor) Marinate the diced chicken in the tikka curry powder, tomato purée, and crushed garlic. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add everything directly to the pan.
- Heat a few sprays of olive oil in your pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red pepper, then cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Once the veggies are soft, add your marinated chicken (or un-marinated if you’re in a rush!) and cook until it’s fully cooked through.
- Now, add the turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, and salt, mixing everything together until well-coated.
- Pour in the tinned tomatoes and stir everything around to make sure the chicken and veggies are covered in that lovely sauce.
- Add the uncooked basmati rice to the pan along with the chicken stock. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the heat, but leave it covered for another 10 minutes. This step is key for the rice to soak up all that flavor.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh coriander if you’re a fan! It adds a lovely fresh touch to the dish.
Notes
- Rice Cooking If you want your rice to be perfectly fluffy, make sure you use the right amount of stock. Too much liquid can make the rice soggy, and too little can leave it undercooked. Keep an eye on it while it’s simmering.
- Adjust the Heat When bringing the dish to a boil, make sure the heat is high enough, but once you cover it, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. This helps cook the rice evenly and prevents it from burning at the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
This One-Pot Chicken Tikka Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of naan bread or a cool, refreshing cucumber salad to balance the spices. You could also serve it with a dollop of yogurt on top to add a creamy, tangy twist.
Fun Fact
Did you know that tikka masala is one of the most popular dishes in the UK? It’s not surprising since the rich spices and creamy base make it irresistible. This one-pot version is perfect for any night you need something hearty yet quick!
Conclusion
This One-Pot Chicken Tikka Rice is everything you need for a flavorful, easy dinner. The spices are bold, the chicken is juicy, and the rice is perfectly cooked. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, which means less washing up for you! Give it a try the next time you want a meal that’s both quick and satisfying. Trust me, you’ll love it!
