Turmeric Chicken Recipe - Creamy Skillet Turmeric Chicken (2024)

This creamy turmeric chicken is an easy one-skillet meal with hearty chickpeas. Serve it over rice with a cilantro garnish for a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.

Back with another turmeric centered recipe for you.

I really wasn’t kidding about what I said in the baked turmeric oatmeal recipe, I have a lot of the stuff right now so it’s getting some use!

Turmeric Chicken Recipe - Creamy Skillet Turmeric Chicken (1)

I talked about the health benefits of turmeric last time (you can see them for yourself in this turmeric lentil stew recipe if you need to catch up) so we’re all well aware of how great this magical spice is for us by now, right?

This turmeric chicken recipe uses two types of turmeric: fresh and ground.

Cooking chicken with turmeric seems like a no-brainer.

I think chicken is most peoples go-to protein for quick and easy weeknight meals and that’s exactly what this turmeric chicken skillet is.

For a lunch option using turmeric, try this turmeric chicken salad recipe!

Turmeric Chicken Recipe - Creamy Skillet Turmeric Chicken (2)

How Do You Make Turmeric Chicken?

Like I mentioned, turmeric gets double duty use in this recipe.

The freshly grated turmeric root gets sautéed with the onions as the first step in the recipe.

Then, the chicken gets seasoned with ground turmeric in addition to salt and pepper before being added to the skillet.

While fresh and ground turmeric are obviously the same in origin, they do impart slightly different flavors.

Fresh turmeric root is a bit milder, almost gingery and kind of tastes like a spicy carrot if you ate it raw! It brings a certain punch of freshness to the recipe.

Ground turmeric is more savory in nature and loses a bit of that fresh pungency that the fresh stuff has. It still brings lots of health benefits, warmth and color to any dish it’s used in.

The steps to this easy less than 30 minute skillet turmeric chicken dinner are simple:

  1. Sauté oil, onions and fresh turmeric
  2. Brown seasoned chicken in the skillet
  3. Add broth and coconut milk, simmer for a bit
  4. Add chickpeas towards the end
  5. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve!
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What Do You Serve with Creamy Turmeric Chicken?

I love serving this dish over white rice. Fragrant jasmine rice is my favorite but any will do.

I tend to batch cook rice at the beginning of the week so I have a large container of it on hand and ready to go for the week’s meals. This is the perfect example of how that’s useful.

Even if you don’t “meal prep” per se, try batch cooking a few sides (like rice, roasted vegetables, etc.) to make dinner come together easier during the week. It really cuts down on prep time!

Of course, you could use brown rice if preferred (I’m just not into its longer cooking time these days) or even cauliflower rice if you want something lower carb.

Or, for a triple turmeric boost, make the turmeric ginger rice from this Instant Pot coconut porkrecipe. Mmm, that would be so good!

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What Does Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas Taste Like?

The best part about this chicken and turmeric dish is not even the fact that it’s made all in one pan or that it takes less than 30 minutes to cook, it’s the taste!

This skillet meal is almost reminiscent of a curry (this winter vegetable curry comes to mind actually) just without the curry powder taste as well as lamb korma for its creamy coziness.

It’s creamy and decadent thanks to the coconut milk, hearty and filling thanks to the added chickpeas but still fresh and light from the fresh turmeric and herbs.

Check out my Kung Pao chickpeas too if you’re looking for another chickpea skillet meal or this chickpea stew which also comes together in just 30 minutes.

If you end up liking the vibes of this chicken skillet, I think you’ll also like chicken saag so check that out too!

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Love this creamy chicken turmeric recipe?

Definitely try these other one-skillet/sheet-pan chicken dinner recipes too:Jalapeno Mango Chicken Skillet,Chicken Artichoke Olive Skillet,Chinese Chicken Zoodles,Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken with Pecans and Sweet Potatoes.

This French champagne chicken is also super creamy and indulgent as well as a wonderfully elegant chicken dish to make for guests.

Also try these snacks and desserts with turmeric:turmeric energy ballsand brown butter turmeric chocolate chip cookies. So fun!

4.64 from 11 votes

Creamy Skillet Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

By: Gina Matsoukas

Servings: 4 servings

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

Save

This creamy turmeric chicken is an easy one-skillet meal with hearty chickpeas. Serve it over rice with a cilantro garnish for a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated turmeric
  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, chopped into cubes
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can, 15 oz. full fat coconut milk
  • 1 can, 15 oz. chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Place skillet over medium heat.

  • Melt coconut oil in the pan. Add onions and fresh turmeric and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.

  • While onions cook, season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, ground turmeric and ground ginger and toss to combine.

  • Add chicken to the skillet and brown for about 3 minutes per side.

  • Add the broth and coconut milk to the skillet, stir to combine and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.

  • Add the chickpeas and continue cooking another 5 minutes.

  • Remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs and serve over rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1SERVINGCalories: 449kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 55gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 268mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

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Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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Turmeric Chicken Recipe - Creamy Skillet Turmeric Chicken (2024)

FAQs

Is turmeric good for chicken? ›

The use of turmeric, as with other spices and herbs, has not been extensively studied relating to chickens or other animals, but all signs seem to point to the successful treatment of inflammation, as well as other various health benefits gained by incorporating this spice into your chicken keeping.

What meat is turmeric good for? ›

Freshly grated turmeric root adds just the right amount of heat to chicken, beef and fish marinades. Simply add a teaspoon of grated turmeric to any marinade for a kick of flavour and colour. Fresh turmeric is perfect for creating marinades as it can be mixed into a paste very easily.

How do you cook with fresh turmeric? ›

Tasty Ways to Use Fresh Turmeric

Use fresh turmeric in lentil, rice, and other grain dishes. Sliced, it can be added to soups or pickled. Fresh turmeric pairs well with egg dishes: Try grating some into egg salads, scrambled eggs, or omelettes. Use grated turmeric in a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables.

What spice balances out turmeric? ›

Because of its bitterness and distinctive strong taste, the ground powder is often mixed with other spices to balance out the flavors. Two of our favorite blends that feature turmeric in a palatable, balanced way (but are very different) are Mild Yellow Curry Powder and our Bucktown Brown Mustard & Honey Rub.

How much turmeric to give chicken? ›

The general consensus for turmeric use with hens is 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of weight (so 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon for a backyard bird that typically weighs 4 to 7 pounds). You don't want to over-do it, as turmeric also has blood thinning properties in large doses.

Who should not take turmeric? ›

People who should not take turmeric include those with gallbladder problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infertility, iron deficiency, liver disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, and arrhythmia. Pregnant women and those who are going to undergo surgery should not use turmeric.

Is turmeric safe for liver and kidneys? ›

Curcumin, which is the main bioactive component in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. However, while turmeric and curcumin are generally safe to consume, too much of a good thing can be dangerous. One of the risks is that large doses can be bad for your kidneys.

Does turmeric cleanse liver and kidneys? ›

Turmeric tea helps detoxify the liver and reduces the accumulation of fat in the liver. According to many patients who have treated fatty liver at home, you need to persist in using it for a long time as a support for the treatment process to achieve the best results.

Is turmeric good for you to Lose Weight? ›

Combining turmeric with a healthy diet and exercise plan may support weight loss. Curcumin is generally well-tolerated and considered safe at doses of 1,500mg per day for up to six months. Since curcumin is absorbed poorly, taking it as a supplement is more effective than as a spice to see weight loss benefits.

What is the best ingredient to mix with turmeric? ›

It's also found in chutneys, as well as the spice mixture garam masala. Some studies have shown that combining turmeric with both black pepper and a fat source, such as olive or coconut oil can improve the absorption of curcumin by the body. The culinary uses for turmeric are endless!

Does turmeric stain teeth? ›

Turmeric Spice

If you enjoy Indian and exotic dishes, you may wish to limit your turmeric spice intake. The bold deep yellow pigments in this spice can turn your teeth just as yellow over time. Turmeric can also stain anything it touches, so be careful when using it.

What are the side effects of taking turmeric? ›

Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects. Some people can experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. These side effects are more common at higher doses. When applied to the skin: Turmeric is likely safe.

Is turmeric good for cooking meat? ›

Basically, turmeric is the MVP of the spice world. It's a great addition to soups, stews, whole grains, sauces, marinades, brines, relishes, stir-fry, eggs, veggies, meat, and fish.

What spices are good for chickens? ›

Spices and Herbs That Are Good for Chickens
  • Basil- immune support, repels pests and increases health of mucosal membranes.
  • Cayenne pepper- improves blood circulation.
  • Cinnamon- aids in respiratory health.
  • Garlic- boosts immune system, aids in respiratory health and is thought to repel mites, lice, and ticks.
Aug 26, 2021

Does turmeric turn chicken yellow? ›

Turmeric, which is an amazing anti-inflammatory, gives this chicken a bright beautiful yellow color. The yellow really pops if you sprinkle some fresh green herbs on top for presentation. You can also serve this chicken on top of a green salad which will have the same eye-popping effect.

Does turmeric tenderize meat? ›

In fact, a combination of salt and turmeric helps in keeping the fish fresh and removes chances of microbial breeding. In terms of taste and texture, this simple trick of marinating the fish in salt and turmeric also helps in tenderizing the protein, which gives a nice juicy texture to the fish or meat.

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