If you love bold, vibrant flavors, then this Tandoori Chicken Over Rice is about to become your go-to meal. With juicy, tender chicken marinated in a mixture of fragrant spices and grilled to perfection, this dish will transport your taste buds straight to India. Pair it with warm, fluffy rice, and you’ve got a dish that’s both comforting and packed with a delicious punch. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this a weekly dinner staple.

Why You’ll Love Tandoori Chicken Over Rice

This recipe is all about celebrating rich flavors and simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, hosting friends, or craving something hearty and satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can customize the spices and toppings, making it as spicy or mild as you like. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a side of veggies or naan.

Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients and pantry staples, this meal is not only delicious but easy on the wallet too.

Quick and Easy: The marinating time might take a little while, but once that’s done, it’s all about cooking up the chicken and rice—fast and simple!

Customizable: Feel free to throw in some veggies like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture. You can even swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous for a healthier twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: If you’re serving a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. With its vibrant colors and intoxicating smells, everyone will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients in Tandoori Chicken Over Rice

The magic of this dish lies in the combination of warm spices and tender chicken. Here’s what you need to create this flavor-packed meal:

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this dish. They’re juicy and tender and soak up all the marinade beautifully.

Greek Yogurt: This is the base of the marinade. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken while giving it a creamy texture and balancing the heat from the spices.

Tandoori Masala: The star of the show. Tandoori masala is a blend of spices that includes cumin, coriander, and paprika, giving the chicken its signature color and flavor.

Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic ingredients add a fragrant, savory layer to the marinade, giving the chicken that authentic tandoori taste.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy, zesty note that balances the richness of the chicken and spices.

Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is the perfect base to soak up all the flavorful juices from the chicken.

Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Tandoori Chicken Over Rice: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, tandoori masala, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, salt, and a bit of oil. Mix until smooth and well-combined. This will be your flavor-packed marinade.

Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they’re fully covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or for even better flavor, leave it overnight in the fridge. The longer, the better!

Cook the Rice: While the chicken is marinating, cook your rice according to package instructions. Make sure it’s fluffy and ready to absorb the juices from the chicken later on.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.

Serve and Assemble: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into strips and serve it over the cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

Finishing Touches: For a little extra flavor, squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken just before serving. This adds a zesty kick that perfectly complements the spices.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the vibrant, smoky flavors of this amazing tandoori chicken over rice. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Tandoori Chicken Over Rice

This dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your meal:

With Naan: Serve with some warm naan bread to scoop up the flavorful rice and chicken, or to dip into a side of yogurt or chutney.
With a Side of Veggies: Serve alongside a fresh cucumber salad or roasted veggies to add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Add a Yogurt Sauce: A tangy yogurt-based sauce like raita adds a cool contrast to the spiciness of the chicken.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Spice it Up: If you love spice, add a chopped green chili to the marinade or sprinkle some chili powder on the chicken before grilling.
Make it Ahead of Time: Marinate the chicken the night before and let the flavors really develop. It makes the cooking process even faster the next day.
Vegetarian Option: You can use paneer or tofu in place of chicken for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to marinate the paneer or tofu for at least an hour to soak up the flavors.

FAQ’s

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts might dry out a bit more. Chicken thighs are juicier and perfect for grilling.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, let it marinate overnight in the fridge.
What if I don’t have tandoori masala?
You can use a blend of garam masala, paprika, cumin, and turmeric as a substitute.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Add extra chili powder or chopped fresh chilies to the marinade for more heat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before grilling.
What can I serve this dish with instead of rice?
You can serve it with quinoa, couscous, or even a simple salad for a low-carb option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day before and just cook it when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Tandoori Chicken Over Rice is the perfect meal when you’re craving bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. With its smoky, tender chicken and fluffy rice, this dish is sure to wow your taste buds. It’s easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!