Spanish-Spiced Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice
A vibrant chicken curry infused with Spanish spices served alongside fluffy basmati rice garnished with cashews and cilantro. This spanish ready in about 50 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic cloves, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup water
- to taste salt
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 1/2 cups water for rice
- 1/4 cup, chopped cashews
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice with 1 1/2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy. Remove from heat and keep covered.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 medium finely chopped onion, sauté for 5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 teaspoons Spanish smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon curry powder, and 1 teaspoon turmeric powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Step 4: Add 1 pound chicken breast cubes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup tomato puree and 1 cup water, stir well to combine. Season with salt to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Fluff the cooked basmati rice with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped cashews and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for added texture and freshness.
- Step 7: Serve the chicken curry hot over the garnished basmati rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spanish-Spiced Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spanish-Spiced Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spanish-Spiced Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spanish-Spiced Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spanish-Spiced Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice?
Spanish spanish like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
