Turkey Combo Rice

A savory aroma fills the kitchen as you prepare to dive into a delicious plate of Turkey Combo Rice. This recipe combines tender turkey, a vibrant medley of vegetables, and fluffy rice, all infused with flavorful spices. In just under an hour, you’ll create a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Perfect for family dinners or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish offers a wholesome option that’s easy to make and share. Plus, you can prepare the turkey stock in advance, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The tender turkey thighs add rich flavor and texture.
• A variety of colorful vegetables brighten the dish visually.
• It comes together quickly, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.

What You’ll Need

Gather all the ingredients to make this delightful dish easy to prepare.

For the Turkey

• 2 turkey thighs, deboned and cut into small pieces
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili pepper
• 1 chicken seasoning cube
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Turkey bones and skin, reserved for stock

For the Stock

• A handful of chopped onion
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• Half a thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 1 chicken seasoning cube
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups water

For the Rice

• 3 cups rice, rinsed
• 1 cup turkey broth
• 1 cup water
• Pinch of salt

For the Vegetables

• ½ onion, chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• 1½ red bell peppers, blended
• 2 large tomatoes, blended
• 1 habanero, blended

For Frying

• 1 tablespoon oil (for frying the turkey)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Pepper mix (from above, seasoned with: ½ teaspoon salt, 1 chicken seasoning cube, 1 teaspoon paprika)

For a spicier dish, adjust the amount of chili pepper and habanero.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Turkey thighs can be replaced with chicken.
• Any type of rice can be used if preferred.
• Use vegetable broth instead of turkey broth.
• Feel free to swap spices based on preference.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create an incredible meal.

Debone

Debone the turkey thighs and cut the meat into small, even pieces so they cook quickly. Set the bones aside for making stock.

Season

Season the turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili pepper, a chicken seasoning cube, and salt. Mix well to coat the turkey, then cover and let it rest.

Boil

Boil the turkey stock by placing the reserved bones and skin in a pot with chopped onion, sliced carrot, crushed garlic, ginger, a seasoning cube, salt, and water. Let it boil for about 15 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.

Blend

Blend the pepper mix by dicing the onions and blending red bell peppers, tomatoes, habanero, and half a green bell pepper in a food processor until roughly combined. Set aside.

Strain

Strain the stock to separate the liquid from the bones and vegetables, keeping the liquid for later use.

Cook Rice

Cook the rice by rinsing it thoroughly and adding it to a pot with one cup of turkey stock, one cup of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the rice is soft. Fluff and set aside.

Fry Turkey

Fry the turkey pieces in hot oil until cooked through and slightly golden, cooking in batches if necessary. Remove and set aside.

Sauté

Sauté onions and garlic in the same pan until fragrant and translucent. Add the blended pepper mix and season with salt, a seasoning cube, and paprika. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine

Combine everything by adding the fried turkey pieces and chopped bell peppers. Stir well and fry for an additional minute or two to combine flavors.

Final Mix

Mix in the cooked rice and stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Let sit for a couple of extra minutes, stirring once more before removing from heat.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: yes, for longer storage if necessary.
Reheat: microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Always debone the turkey thighs for tender meat.
• Avoid overcooking the rice for the best texture.
• Let the dish rest briefly for enhanced flavors.
• Adjust spices to suit your personal taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with ripe fried plantains for a sweet contrast.
• Serve alongside chilled coleslaw for extra crunch.
• Enjoy it as a hearty lunch option.