Festival

Chicken With Rice and Peas Recipe – Tihar Diwali Special Food

🪔 FESTIVE CHICKEN RICE RECIPE

Chicken With Rice and Peas Recipe – Delicious Tihar & Diwali Festival Food

Chicken with rice and peas is a flavorful homemade dish prepared with aromatic rice, tender chicken pieces, green peas, and traditional spices. This delicious recipe is perfect for Tihar, Diwali celebrations, family gatherings, and special festive meals. The combination of protein-rich chicken, fragrant rice, and colorful peas creates a satisfying dish loved by food lovers of all ages.

SEO Details Recipe Contents Ingredients Cooking Steps FAQs

Featured Snippet

Chicken with rice and peas is prepared by cooking seasoned chicken with aromatic spices, rice, and green peas until the flavors combine perfectly. It is a delicious one-pot meal suitable for festivals, family dinners, and special occasions.

Introduction to Chicken With Rice and Peas
Tihar and Diwali Food Tradition
Recipe Overview
Ingredients List
Preparation Instructions
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Cooking Tips
Recipe Variations
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction to Chicken With Rice and Peas Recipe

Chicken with rice and peas is a comforting and festive dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal. The soft rice absorbs the flavors of spices and chicken broth while green peas add sweetness, color, and nutrition.

This recipe is especially suitable for celebrations because rice-based dishes are considered an important part of festive meals in many cultures. During Tihar and Diwali, families prepare special foods to share with relatives and guests.

The combination of aromatic spices, juicy chicken, and flavorful rice makes this dish a perfect choice for holiday dinners and memorable family gatherings.

Festival Food Tip: Rice dishes are commonly prepared during celebrations because they are easy to serve to many guests and can be customized with different ingredients.

Tihar and Diwali Food Connection

Tihar and Diwali are among the most celebrated festivals in Nepal and South Asia. Food plays an important role during these celebrations as families prepare special dishes, sweets, and meals for loved ones.

During festive occasions, dishes made with rice, meat, vegetables, and traditional spices are commonly enjoyed because they represent happiness, sharing, and togetherness.

Chicken with rice and peas can be served as a main festive meal alongside salads, pickles, yogurt, and other traditional dishes.

Recipe Overview

Category	Details
Recipe Name	Chicken With Rice and Peas
Preparation Time	20 minutes
Cooking Time	40 minutes
Total Time	60 minutes
Serving	4–5 people
Difficulty Level	Medium
Best For	Tihar, Diwali, family meals, celebrations

Chicken With Rice and Peas Ingredients

For Chicken

500 grams chicken pieces
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 large onion sliced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon ginger paste
2 tomatoes chopped
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
Salt according to taste

For Rice and Peas

2 cups basmati or long grain rice
1 cup green peas
3 cups chicken stock or water
2 bay leaves
3 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
Fresh coriander for garnish

Ingredient Tip: Using aromatic rice and fresh spices creates a more flavorful festive chicken rice dish.

Preparation Before Cooking

Wash rice thoroughly and soak for 20 minutes.
Clean chicken pieces and cut them into suitable portions.
Prepare onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and spices.
Keep green peas ready before starting cooking.
Measure all ingredients to make the cooking process easier.

Festive chicken with rice and peas prepared for family celebrations

Next Step: The next section will explain the complete cooking process, including preparing the chicken, adding rice, and creating the perfect festive flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious chicken with rice and peas recipe with rich aroma, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a bowl.
Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and a small amount of ginger paste.
Mix everything well so the spices coat the chicken evenly.
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20–30 minutes for better flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

Wash rice several times until the water becomes clear.
Soak rice for about 20 minutes and drain before cooking.
This helps the rice cook evenly and creates a softer texture.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Base

Heat oil in a large cooking pot over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
Add garlic and ginger paste and cook until fragrant.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.

Flavor Secret: Slowly cooking onions until golden creates a deep flavor foundation for the chicken and rice.

Step 4: Add Spices and Chicken

Add marinated chicken pieces into the pot.
Cook chicken with spices until the outside changes color.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook until chicken releases its natural juices and absorbs the spices.

Step 5: Add Whole Spices

Add bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves.
Mix gently with the chicken mixture.
These spices provide the traditional festive aroma of the dish.

Step 6: Add Green Peas

Add fresh or frozen green peas to the chicken mixture.
Cook for a few minutes until peas become slightly tender.
The peas add sweetness, color, and nutrition to the recipe.

Cooking chicken with aromatic spices and green peas for a festive rice dish

Cooking Tip: Do not rush the chicken cooking process. Allowing chicken to absorb spices creates a richer and more delicious flavor.

Step 7: Add Rice

Add soaked and drained rice into the chicken mixture.
Gently mix rice with chicken, peas, and spices.
Be careful not to break rice grains while mixing.

Step 8: Add Water or Chicken Stock

Pour chicken stock or water into the pot.
Check salt and adjust seasoning if required.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 9: Cook Rice Properly

Reduce heat to low after the liquid starts boiling.
Cover the pot with a lid.
Cook until rice becomes soft and absorbs all the liquid.
Avoid opening the lid frequently because steam helps cook the rice evenly.

Step 10: Final Resting and Garnishing

Turn off the heat once rice is completely cooked.
Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes with the lid covered.
Fluff rice gently using a fork.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Perfect Rice Tip: Resting cooked rice before serving allows moisture to distribute evenly and creates fluffy rice grains.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken With Rice and Peas

This festive chicken rice dish tastes best when served warm with complementary sides.

Serve with fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
Add yogurt or raita for a cooling balance.
Serve with homemade pickles for extra flavor.
Garnish with fried onions for a festive presentation.
Pair with traditional sweets during Tihar or Diwali celebrations.

Best Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Rice and Peas

Choose quality rice: Long grain or basmati rice gives the best texture and aroma.
Marinate chicken: Spices penetrate better when chicken rests before cooking.
Use homemade stock: Chicken stock adds deeper flavor compared to plain water.
Control heat: Low heat cooking helps rice cook evenly without burning.
Avoid too much liquid: Correct water ratio prevents mushy rice.

Festival Cooking Advice: Prepare this dish slowly with patience because festive recipes become more delicious when cooked with care and attention.

Chicken With Rice and Peas Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Chicken Rice and Peas

Add green chilies, chili powder, or extra spices to create a spicy version suitable for spice lovers.

2. Vegetable Rice and Peas

Replace chicken with vegetables like carrots, beans, mushrooms, and potatoes for a vegetarian version.

3. Creamy Chicken Rice

Add coconut milk or cream for a richer and smoother rice dish.

4. Tihar Special Royal Version

Add cashews, raisins, fried onions, and saffron for a more luxurious festive presentation.

Next: The next section will include nutrition information, health benefits, storage tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Nutrition Information of Chicken With Rice and Peas

Chicken with rice and peas is a complete meal that provides protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and energy. The nutritional values may vary depending on the amount of oil, chicken portion, and ingredients used.

Nutrient	Approximate Amount Per Serving
Calories	500–600 kcal
Protein	30–40 grams
Carbohydrates	60–75 grams
Fat	15–20 grams
Fiber	4–7 grams
Iron	Provides useful dietary iron from chicken and spices
Vitamins	Green peas provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

Nutrition Tip: For a healthier version, use skinless chicken, reduce oil, and increase vegetables while maintaining the traditional flavors.

Health Benefits of Chicken With Rice and Peas

1. Excellent Source of Protein

Chicken provides high-quality protein that helps support muscle health, tissue repair, and overall body strength. It makes this dish filling and satisfying.

2. Provides Long-Lasting Energy

Rice is a good source of carbohydrates that provide energy for daily activities. This makes chicken rice a suitable meal during busy days and celebrations.

3. Supports Healthy Digestion

Green peas contain dietary fiber that supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

4. Rich in Essential Nutrients

The combination of chicken, peas, rice, and spices provides important nutrients including protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

5. Balanced One-Pot Meal

This recipe combines grains, protein, and vegetables in one dish, making it convenient for families looking for a complete homemade meal.

A colorful chicken with rice and peas dish prepared for festive celebrations

Healthy Cooking Idea: Adding extra vegetables like carrots, beans, and bell peppers can increase the nutritional value of this festive rice recipe.

How to Store Chicken With Rice and Peas

Proper storage helps maintain the taste, texture, and freshness of leftover chicken rice.

Allow the dish to cool before storing.
Place leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep refrigerated and consume within 2–3 days.
Avoid leaving cooked rice at room temperature for a long time.
Reheat properly before serving again.

How to Reheat Chicken Rice and Peas

Rice dishes can sometimes become dry after refrigeration. Follow these tips to restore the original texture.

Add a few drops of water or chicken stock before reheating.
Cover the pan while heating to keep moisture inside.
Heat until the chicken reaches a safe serving temperature.
Mix gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.

Storage Reminder: Freshly cooked chicken rice tastes best, but properly stored leftovers can still make a delicious quick meal.

Common Mistakes When Making Chicken With Rice and Peas

1. Using Too Much Water

Adding excess water can make rice soft and sticky. Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio for fluffy grains.

2. Not Washing Rice Properly

Unwashed rice contains extra starch that can affect texture. Wash rice until the water becomes clearer.

3. Cooking Chicken Too Quickly

Chicken needs enough time to absorb spices and become tender. Rushing the process can reduce flavor.

4. Adding Rice Before Chicken Is Ready

Chicken should be properly cooked with spices before adding rice to ensure balanced flavor.

5. Opening the Lid Too Often

Frequent opening releases steam and can affect rice cooking quality.

Expert Tips for Festival-Style Chicken Rice

Toast rice lightly with spices before adding liquid for extra aroma.
Use fresh whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves for authentic flavor.
Add fried onions and coriander for an attractive festive presentation.
Use homemade chicken stock whenever possible for richer taste.
Allow the cooked rice to rest before serving for better texture.
Prepare ingredients ahead of time when cooking for large family gatherings.

Festival Serving Tip: For Tihar and Diwali celebrations, decorate the serving plate with fresh herbs, fried onions, and colorful side dishes to create a festive presentation.

Why Chicken With Rice and Peas Is Perfect for Celebrations

Festive meals are about sharing happiness, and chicken with rice and peas is an excellent choice because it is flavorful, filling, and easy to serve to many guests.

The colorful appearance of rice, green peas, and golden chicken makes the dish attractive on celebration tables. Its rich aroma from traditional spices creates a welcoming atmosphere during festivals.

Whether prepared for Tihar, Diwali, birthdays, or family gatherings, this recipe represents comfort, togetherness, and homemade hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is chicken with rice and peas?

Chicken with rice and peas is a flavorful one-pot meal made with seasoned chicken, aromatic rice, green peas, and traditional spices. It is suitable for everyday meals as well as festive celebrations.

2. Is chicken with rice and peas a good dish for Tihar and Diwali?

Yes. This dish is perfect for Tihar and Diwali because rice-based meals are commonly prepared during celebrations and can be served to family members and guests.

3. Which rice is best for chicken rice and peas?

Basmati rice or long-grain rice works best because it produces aromatic and fluffy rice grains after cooking.

4. Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?

Yes. Frozen green peas work well and can be added directly during cooking. Fresh peas can also be used for a more natural flavor.

5. How can I make chicken rice more flavorful?

Using fresh spices, marinating chicken, cooking onions properly, and using chicken stock can significantly improve the flavor.

6. Can I prepare chicken with rice and peas without tomatoes?

Yes. Tomatoes can be reduced or removed depending on your preferred taste. The dish will still be flavorful with spices and stock.

7. Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes. Replace chicken with vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, or paneer to create a vegetarian rice and peas recipe.

8. How do I prevent rice from becoming sticky?

Wash rice properly, use the correct amount of liquid, and avoid stirring too much while cooking.

9. Can I make chicken rice and peas in a rice cooker?

Yes. You can prepare the chicken masala separately and finish cooking the rice with chicken and peas in a rice cooker.

10. How long can chicken rice and peas be stored?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it can usually be kept in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.

11. What side dishes go well with chicken rice and peas?

It pairs well with salad, yogurt, pickles, chutney, raita, and traditional festival snacks.

12. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes. Add green chilies, chili powder, or spicy sauces according to your preferred taste.

13. Is chicken with rice and peas healthy?

Yes. It provides protein from chicken, carbohydrates from rice, and fiber and nutrients from peas when prepared with balanced ingredients.

14. Can I prepare this recipe for a large gathering?

Yes. This recipe is suitable for parties and festivals because it can easily be prepared in larger quantities.

Conclusion

Chicken with rice and peas is a delicious festive recipe that combines aromatic rice, tender chicken, colorful green peas, and traditional spices into one satisfying meal. Its rich flavor, attractive appearance, and easy preparation make it an excellent choice for Tihar, Diwali, and family celebrations.

This homemade chicken rice recipe is not only tasty but also provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. By using fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques, anyone can prepare a restaurant-style dish at home.

Whether you are celebrating a festival, hosting guests, or simply preparing a special family dinner, chicken with rice and peas brings warmth and happiness to the dining table.

Try this delicious recipe and enjoy the wonderful combination of spices, chicken, rice, and peas with your loved ones.

Celebrate With Flavor: Prepare this chicken with rice and peas recipe for Tihar, Diwali, or your next family gathering and create delicious memories together.

Recipe Summary

Recipe Name	Details
Dish	Chicken With Rice and Peas
Cuisine Style	Festive South Asian Inspired
Preparation Time	20 Minutes
Cooking Time	40 Minutes
Serving Size	4–5 People
Best Occasion	Tihar, Diwali, Family Celebrations

Enjoy This Traditional Recipe: Share this delicious chicken with rice and peas recipe with your family and friends and enjoy a memorable festive meal.

Jitendra Sahayogee

I am Jitendra Sahayogee, a writer of 12 Nepali literature books, film director of Maithili film & Nepali short movies, photographer, founder of the media house, designer of some websites and writer & editor of some blogs, has expert knowledge & experiences of Nepalese society, culture, tourist places, travels, business, literature, movies, festivals, celebrations.