Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Turmeric Rice

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Rice

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (4–5 thighs, 680g)
• 1 ⅓ cups white or jasmine rice (uncooked) (250g)
• 3 cups chicken broth or water (720g)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional) (110g)
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced (15g)
• 1 ½ tablespoons butter (21g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (13g)
• 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce (22g)
• 1 tablespoon paprika (5g)
• 1 tablespoon turmeric (5g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (2g)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional, also not included in my macros because I couldn't be bothered) (75g)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce (optional)

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (120g)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (10g)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (4g)
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced (3g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of oregano or Italian seasoning
• Optional: 1–2 teaspoons sriracha for spice (5–10g)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add butter and onion (if using). Sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and turmeric, stir for 30 seconds.
4. Toast the Rice: Add rice and stir to coat in butter and spices. Toast for 1 minute.
5. Add Liquid & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Nestle chicken thighs on top.
6. Cover & Cook: Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18–20 minutes (or longer if using larger chicken pieces). Add peas in the last 5 minutes, if using.
7. Rest & Fluff: Turn off heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.
8. Make the Sauce (optional): Mix all yogurt sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust seasoning. Stir in sriracha if desired.
9. Serve or Store: Serve immediately or portion into meal prep containers. Drizzle yogurt sauce on top or serve on the side. Garnish with parsley.

Macros (per serving)

Chicken & Rice

• Calories: 598
• Protein: 46g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 34g

Sauce (Optional)

• Calories: 35
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 1g

Total (Including Sauce)

• Calories: 633
• Protein: 50g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fat: 36g