Honey-Glazed Chicken with Aromatic Turmeric Rice

I’ve perfected this one-pan wonder that combines succulent honey-glazed chicken with fragrant turmeric rice, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The combination of warming spices, sweet honey glaze, and perfectly cooked rice makes this recipe a guaranteed family favorite that’s also impressive enough for entertaining.

The Story Behind the Dish

This recipe draws inspiration from multiple culinary traditions, combining the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine with the honey-glazing techniques common in Middle Eastern cooking. I’ve carefully balanced these elements to create a dish that’s both familiar and exotic, while keeping it accessible for home cooks.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• Juice of 2 fresh lemons
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Honey Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) pure honey
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• Pinch of salt

For the Turmeric Rice:

• 1 cup (200g) basmati rice, rinsed until water runs clear
• 1 cup (240ml) high-quality chicken broth
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon (5g) curry powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika
• 200g (7 oz) canned corn, drained
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley and green onions for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Detailed Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine:

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

1. Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Preparing the Rice Base

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. In a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish:

• Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat
• Add onion and cook until translucent (5-6 minutes)
• Add garlic and carrots, cook 2-3 minutes
• Stir in turmeric, curry powder, and paprika
• Toast spices for 30 seconds until fragrant

1. Add rice and stir to coat with spices.
2. Add broth and corn.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat olive oil in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place chicken skin-side down.
4. Cook until skin is golden brown (6-7 minutes).
5. Turn and cook other side briefly (2-3 minutes).

Combining and Baking

1. Arrange browned chicken thighs on top of rice mixture.
2. Cover dish tightly with foil.
3. Bake for 25 minutes.
4. Remove foil, add broccoli florets around chicken.
5. Continue baking uncovered for 10 minutes.

Making the Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over low heat:

• Melt butter
• Add honey, garlic, and ginger
• Stir until well combined
• Add pinch of salt

1. Keep warm until needed.

Final Touches

1. Brush chicken with honey glaze.
2. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until glaze is caramelized.
3. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions.

Expert Tips

• Rinse rice until water runs clear to prevent gumminess.
• Don’t move chicken while browning for perfect crispy skin.
• Use an instant-read thermometer – chicken should reach 165°F/74°C.
• If rice seems dry during cooking, add ¼ cup hot broth.
• Cut broccoli florets uniformly for even cooking.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (serves 6):

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Iron: 15% DV
• Vitamin A: 45% DV

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in 350°F oven until hot throughout (15-20 minutes).
• Add a splash of broth when reheating rice.
• Chicken skin won’t be as crispy when reheated.
• Not recommended for freezing due to rice texture changes.

This honey-glazed chicken with turmeric rice is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. The combination of crispy, glazed chicken skin, aromatic rice, and tender vegetables creates a complete meal that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying. The honey glaze adds a beautiful sweet-savory element that makes this dish truly memorable.