Ingredients
Turmeric Chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 inches fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 (15 oz) can full fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- Chopped cilantro and scallions for serving
Black Pepper Rice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1 1/2 tsp)
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken base: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced garlic and grated ginger and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add spices and liquids: Stir in the turmeric and coriander and cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Pour in the can of full-fat coconut milk and the tablespoon of soy sauce, then season with kosher salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Squeeze the lime juice over the chicken just before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Make the black pepper rice – step 1: While the chicken simmers, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds.
- Black pepper rice – step 2: Add the basmati rice, freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 1 1/2 teaspoons), kosher salt, and water. Stir once, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and water absorbed.
- Fluff and serve: Remove the rice from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve alongside the turmeric chicken. Garnish with chopped cilantro and scallions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Freshly grated turmeric can be used instead of powder if available for a brighter flavor.
- Adjust black pepper amount in the rice to your preferred spice level.
- Leftover coconut milk sauce is excellent drizzled over steamed vegetables or rice bowls.
- This dish pairs well with steamed greens or a simple cucumber salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion/Asian-inspired