Sizzling Tandoori Chicken Over Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Feast

Crafting an authentic tandoori chicken over rice promises a delightful culinary adventure that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of northern India.

Aromatic spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Marinating tender chicken pieces in a rich blend of yogurt and traditional spices ensures each bite bursts with incredible depth.

Charred edges and a succulent interior characterize this classic dish, inviting comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Perfectly cooked basmati rice serves as a sublime canvas for the spiced chicken, absorbing every magnificent flavor nuance.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-quality meal with simple ingredients and a dash of passion.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible tandoori experience.

Why Tandoori Chicken Over Rice Packs a Punch

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a vibrant tandoori chicken recipe packed with bold, authentic Indian flavors that transform an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.
• Quick and Satisfying Prep: Marinate chicken ahead of time and enjoy a one-pan meal that combines protein and rice with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences, making this dish versatile for different taste buds and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the rich, aromatic spices and tender chicken served over fluffy basmati rice, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone can enjoy together.

All You Need for Flavorful Tandoori Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Rich and flavorful meat that absorbs the delicious tandoori marinade perfectly.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that tenderizes the chicken and helps spices adhere.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps break down the chicken proteins.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide deep, warm flavor to the marinade.

• Ground Coriander, Ground Cumin, Paprika, Ground Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper, Garam Masala: A complex spice mixture that creates authentic tandoori flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste.

• Basmati Rice: Fragrant long-grain rice that complements the spicy chicken.
• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the rice.
• Chicken Stock: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and adds depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Coconut Oil: Neutral oils used for searing chicken and sautéing vegetables.

• Fresh Cilantro Leaves, Lemon Wedges: Bright, fresh toppings that add color and additional flavor.
• Mint Yogurt Sauce: Cool, tangy accompaniment that balances the spicy chicken.

How to Make Tandoori Chicken Over Rice at Home

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Bomb Marinade

Grab a large mixing bowl and create a magical marinade by blending yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and a constellation of spices including coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Dive the chicken thighs into this flavor bath, ensuring every inch gets coated.

Seal the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, though overnight will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil or coconut oil in a deep skillet until it shimmers.

Pull the marinated chicken out, letting excess marinade drip away. Gently place the chicken into the hot pan, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust by searing for 3-4 minutes on each side.

The goal is a gorgeous exterior, not full cooking. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Rice with Spices

• Chopped onion
• Green bell pepper

Saute until the onion turns translucent and glassy. Sprinkle in turmeric, cumin, and coriander, creating an aromatic base.

Add basmati rice, stirring to coat each grain with the spicy oil. Toast the rice for a quick 1-2 minutes to unlock deeper flavors.

Step 4: Create a One-Pot Masterpiece

Pour chicken stock into the skillet, scraping up those delicious browned bits. Season with salt and pepper.

Bring to a gentle bubble. Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice, covering them partially.

Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Plate and Celebrate

Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork, creating those beautiful, separated grains. Plate the tandoori chicken over the fragrant rice.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and add a squeeze of lemon. For an extra touch, serve with a cool mint yogurt sauce on the side.

Notes for Juicy and Spicy Tandoori Chicken

• Let chicken soak in yogurt-spice blend overnight for deeper, more intense flavors that penetrate every fiber.
• Briefly toast rice with spices before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and prevent clumping.
• Brown chicken quickly at high heat to lock in juices and create a delicious caramelized exterior without fully cooking.
• Maintain low, steady heat while simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly and chicken remains tender and succulent.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro and squeeze lemon just before serving to brighten flavors and add vibrant color to the dish.

Tandoori Chicken Variations for Bold Flavors

• Vegetarian Tandoori: Replace chicken with firm tofu or paneer, marinating in the same spice blend for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Caribbean Style: Swap out traditional spices with jerk seasoning and add scotch bonnet peppers for a fiery Caribbean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute basmati rice with cauliflower rice to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal that maintains the rich tandoori flavors.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace chicken thighs with lamb and incorporate Mediterranean herbs like oregano and rosemary for a cross-cultural culinary experience.

What to Serve With Tandoori Chicken and Rice

• A refreshing yogurt-based side dish that balances the spicy chicken with its creamy, cucumber-studded texture. The cool, tangy sauce cuts through the rich marinade and provides a soothing contrast.
• Select a hoppy beer with citrusy notes that can stand up to the bold spices of the tandoori chicken. The beer's brightness and carbonation help cleanse the palate between flavorful bites.
• Soft, pillowy flatbread perfect for soaking up the aromatic rice and catching extra sauce. Its slightly charred edges and buttery texture enhance the overall dining experience.

Storing Tandoori Chicken for Quick Meals

• Store cooled chicken and rice in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate chicken from rice to maintain texture and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual servings tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents.
• Place chicken and rice in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water over rice to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.

FAQs

• What makes tandoori chicken unique in flavor?

The combination of yogurt marinade and Indian spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin creates a complex, tangy, and slightly spicy taste profile that distinguishes tandoori chicken from other grilled or roasted chicken dishes.

• Is tandoori chicken spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of cayenne pepper. As prepared in this recipe, it offers a mild to moderate heat that most people can enjoy, but you can reduce or increase cayenne to suit your preference.

• Why is yogurt used in the marinade?

Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, adds moisture, and creates a creamy base that helps spices adhere to the meat, resulting in more flavorful and juicier chicken.

Tandoori Chicken Over Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tandoori chicken sizzles with authentic Indian spices, promising a culinary journey through delightful flavors. Succulent marinated chicken delivers a perfect balance of warmth and zest, inviting you to savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 tablespoon garam masala
• 0.75 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Wet Ingredients and Aromatics:

• 0.75 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

Rice Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped into small cubes
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lemon wedges
• Mint yogurt sauce

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Instructions

1. Blend yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and a medley of aromatic spices in a spacious mixing vessel to create a vibrant marinade. Submerge chicken thighs completely, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Extract chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip away. Sear chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops, creating rich caramelized edges.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce diced onions and bell peppers. Saute until vegetables soften and release their fragrant essence. Sprinkle ground spices, stirring to awaken their intense aromatics.
4. Incorporate basmati rice, toasting briefly to enhance nutty undertones. Pour chicken stock, scraping skillet’s bottom to capture concentrated flavor molecules. Gently nestle seared chicken into rice mixture.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. The rice will absorb liquid while chicken cooks thoroughly to tender perfection. Internal chicken temperature should reach 165°F.
6. Remove from heat, allow dish to rest for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, creating light, separated grains. Plate chicken atop fragrant rice, garnishing with fresh cilantro and optional lemon wedges.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tender meat texture.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt to create richer, creamier marinade that helps tenderize chicken and locks in spices.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance, ensuring balanced heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg