Curried Rice with Chicken and Vegetables is a hearty and wholesome dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant spices, and colorful veggies in one satisfying skillet meal. This flavorful dinner is packed with nutrition, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple, balanced, and bursting with flavor. It brings together protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled vegetables, and fragrant spices like curry and turmeric for a dish that’s both comforting and energizing. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice or cooked chicken, and it’s easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand. One pan, one meal, no hassle—just a warm, spiced, delicious dinner ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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cooked white rice (such as Success® Rice or any cooked rice)
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olive oil
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boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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broccoli
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carrots
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onion
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garlic
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chicken broth
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sesame oil
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curry powder
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turmeric
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salt
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freshly ground black pepper
Directions
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Cook the rice according to package directions or use pre-cooked rice (about 6 cups).
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced onion and garlic for 3–5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
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Add the chicken pieces and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer chicken and aromatics to a bowl.
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Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add chopped broccoli, sliced carrots, and chicken broth. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are slightly tender.
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Return the cooked chicken mixture to the skillet. Add the cooked rice, sesame oil, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
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Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 3–5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a meatless meal.
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Add heat: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste for a spicy kick.
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Use brown rice: Substitute with cooked brown rice or quinoa for a higher fiber option.
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Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, peas, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
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Coconut twist: Replace some of the chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamier, richer curry flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the rice mixture in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in a covered dish, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore moisture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, leftover rice works perfectly in this recipe and helps reduce cooking time.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Just skip the chicken cooking step and add the pre-cooked chicken when combining everything in the skillet.
What’s the best rice to use?
White rice, jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice all work well in this dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
What if I don’t have curry powder?
You can substitute with a mix of cumin, coriander, paprika, and a bit of turmeric to mimic curry flavor.
How do I keep the veggies crisp?
Don’t overcook the broccoli and carrots—just a light sauté will keep them tender-crisp.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently. It’s flavorful, but you can add spice to suit your taste.
Can I add a sauce?
If you want extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon or two of plain yogurt or coconut milk at the end.
What should I serve with this?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can add naan bread, a side salad, or a dollop of yogurt for contrast.
Conclusion
Curried Rice with Chicken and Vegetables is the perfect one-skillet solution for a flavorful and balanced dinner. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and aromatic spices, this meal is satisfying, simple, and easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a reliable and delicious go-to.
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Curried Rice with Chicken and Vegetables
This Curried Rice with Chicken and Vegetables is a hearty and wholesome one-pan meal made with tender chicken, flavorful curry spices, and nutritious vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 bags from a 14 oz box of Success® White Rice, cooked (or 6 cups cooked rice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package directions or use 6 cups of pre-cooked rice.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic for 3–5 minutes until translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 7–10 minutes, until fully cooked. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add broccoli, carrots, and chicken broth. Cook and stir for 3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the rice, sesame oil, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover rice or pre-cooked rice for even faster prep.
- You can substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas.
- Adjust the curry and turmeric amounts to your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add tofu or chickpeas instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 361 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
