Hey friends! Today I’m bringing you a super easy and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights One Pot Tikka Rice! If you love the bold flavors of chicken tikka but want a quick and simple meal, this one’s for you. It’s made in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious dinner. Plus, it’s loaded with savory spices and has that creamy, comforting texture everyone loves. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want it on repeat. Let’s get into it!
Method
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by heating a little oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook it for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and turned translucent. This step helps to bring out the sweetness in the onion and creates a savory base for the dish. Afterward, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute. The garlic and ginger will release a delicious aroma and add a fragrant depth to the dish.
2. Browning the Chicken
Next, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast to the pot. Stir the chicken pieces around to ensure they get browned lightly on all sides. This will take about 4-5 minutes. The browning of the chicken adds flavor to the dish, creating a nice sear and ensuring that the chicken is cooked through.
3. Adding the Spices
Once the chicken is browned, it’s time to add the spices. Stir in the tikka paste, turmeric, and cumin, and cook for about 1 minute. This allows the spices to bloom and fully coat the chicken, making it even more flavorful. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the spice mixture.
4. Cooking the Rice
Now, add the washed basmati rice to the pot. Stir it in with the chicken and spices, ensuring the rice is well-coated and evenly distributed throughout. This will help the rice absorb all the rich flavors while cooking. Once the rice is well-mixed, pour in the chicken stock and coconut milk. Stir everything to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. This step is crucial because the stock and coconut milk will provide the liquid needed for the rice to cook and absorb the spices.
5. Simmering and Cooking the Rice
Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the rice will cook, and the liquid will be absorbed. Keep an eye on the pot and check halfway through to ensure that the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom. If needed, add a little more water or stock to keep the rice moist. Be careful not to let the rice burn or overcook, so it’s important to maintain a low simmer and not open the lid too often.
6. Fluffing and Garnishing
Once the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Using a fork, fluff the rice to separate the grains, making it light and fluffy. This step helps to prevent the rice from becoming clumpy and ensures a perfect texture. After fluffing the rice, garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro to add a burst of color and fresh flavor. You’re now ready to serve and enjoy your delicious One-Pot Tikka Rice!
Necessary Tools
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Stirring spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Rice cooker (optional)
One-Pot Tikka Rice A Flavorful and Easy Dinner
Cuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
250g chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp ginger, grated
2 tbsp tikka paste
200g basmati rice (washed)
400ml chicken stock
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
- Start by heating a little oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, toss in the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they’re lightly browned on all sides. Stir in the tikka paste, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to coat the chicken in all those tasty spices.
- Next, add the rice to the pot and give it a good stir so it’s evenly mixed with the chicken and spices. Pour in the chicken stock and coconut milk, then bring everything to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to check halfway through to see if you need to add a little more water or stock.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it up with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve!
Notes
- Rice Cooking Tip Be careful not to burn the rice while it cooks! If you find that the liquid is evaporating too quickly, you can lower the heat or add a little extra water.
- Spice Level Adjust the amount of tikka paste depending on how spicy you like your food. If you prefer milder dishes, use less paste or add some extra coconut milk to balance the heat.
Serving Suggestions
This One-Pot Tikka Rice pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy naan or a fresh cucumber salad. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, serve with a drizzle of chili sauce on top! You could also add a dollop of yogurt or raita for a creamy contrast. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or when you’re entertaining friends.
Fun Fact
Did you know that tikka masala is considered one of the UK’s favorite dishes? It’s so popular that it has even been named “Britain’s national dish” in some circles. If you love the flavors of tikka, this rice is a fun twist on the traditional recipe!
Conclusion
This One-Pot Tikka Rice is the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with flavor and doesn’t require a ton of effort. With just a few simple ingredients and one pot, you can enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that’ll make everyone ask for seconds. Plus, the fact that it’s super easy to clean up afterward is a huge bonus! Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes!
