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Creamy Tandoori Chicken

Featured in Juicy chicken done your way.

A full-flavored Indian dish combining marinated tandoori chicken, creamy tomato-based sauce, and aromatic curry rice topped with soft onions.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:18:01 GMT
Tender chicken curry topped with fresh cilantro served alongside spicy yellow rice. Pin it
Tender chicken curry topped with fresh cilantro served alongside spicy yellow rice. | Tastyhush.com

This authentic chicken tandoori brings the vibrant flavors of India right into the kitchen. The combination of aromatic spices, fragrant rice, and caramelized onions creates a comforting weekend meal that fills the home with inviting aromas and transports you straight to the streets of Delhi.

A Symphony of Spices

Each element of this dish tells its own story. The tender chicken absorbs the tandoori spice blend while the rice takes on a beautiful golden hue. Sweet caramelized onions provide the perfect complement, melting slowly to create layers of flavor that blend harmoniously together.

Perfecting the Marinade

The marinade starts with 500g of chicken breast cut into generous pieces. Full-fat yogurt forms the base, while tandoori spices, turmeric, and chili powder provide the signature color and heat. Fresh garlic and ginger add depth, and a splash of lemon juice brightens all the flavors.

Creating the Rich Sauce

The cooking begins by sautéing garlic and ginger until fragrant. The sauce develops with tomato puree, spices, and a touch of sugar for balance. Heavy cream coats the grilled chicken while butter adds richness. Fresh cilantro provides the essential finishing touch.

Aromatic Basmati Rice

Premium basmati rice is essential for its distinctive aroma and texture. Slow-cooked onions become meltingly tender and sweet. A sprinkle of curry powder and a dollop of butter elevate this side dish from simple to sublime.

Un plat de poulet dans une sauce rouge épicée, garni de coriandre fraîche et de yaourt, accompagné de pain plat. Pin it
Un plat de poulet dans une sauce rouge épicée, garni de coriandre fraîche et de yaourt, accompagné de pain plat. | Tastyhush.com

The Secret of Onions

Properly prepared onions are crucial to this dish. Slowly caramelized over low heat, they transform into sweet, golden ribbons. When combined with the curry-spiced rice, they create an irresistible combination that proves good cooking requires patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works great for marinating and adds even more creaminess compared to plain yogurt.
→ How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Simmer the sauce gently on low heat and stir in the cream at the end. Avoid letting it boil once the cream’s added to keep the texture smooth.
→ Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and even prep the sauce earlier. Reheat it slowly and add a splash of cream if needed.
→ What’s the right amount of tandoori spices?
Start with the suggested measurements and adjust to match your taste. Just give the sauce a taste before serving to tweak it if necessary.
→ Why’s my rice sticking together?
Be sure to wash the rice well before cooking and don’t stir it too much while it’s cooking. Afterward, fluff it gently with a fork along with some butter.

Saucy Tandoori Chicken

Juicy tandoori chicken smothered in spiced creamy sauce, served alongside curry-infused rice and sweet onions.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 500 g of diced chicken.
02 1 plain yogurt.
03 4 tablespoons of tandoori spice mix.
04 1 teaspoon of turmeric.
05 2 teaspoons of chili powder or paprika.
06 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
07 5 cm piece of fresh ginger, minced.
08 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
09 400 g of tomato puree.
10 40 g of butter.
11 1 tablespoon of honey or 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
12 200 ml of heavy cream.
13 2 tablespoons of neutral oil.
14 250 g of basmati rice.
15 2 finely chopped onions.
16 2 teaspoons of curry powder.
17 1 teaspoon of sugar.
18 Salt to taste.
19 Fresh coriander leaves.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix together the marinade ingredients (yogurt, tandoori spices, turmeric, chili, garlic, ginger, lemon juice). Let it rest for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 02

Grill the marinated chicken pieces until cooked, then set aside.

Step 03

In a pan, sauté the ginger and garlic, add the tomato puree, sugar, chili, and tandoori. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 04

Add the heavy cream, butter, and cooked chicken to the sauce. Add salt and simmer for another 15-20 minutes.

Step 05

Cook the rice as per the instructions, then drain and set it aside.

Step 06

Slow-cook the onions for about 10 minutes, then caramelize them with sugar.

Step 07

Combine the cooked rice with the onions, butter, curry powder, and salt. Stir and cook for a few more minutes.

Step 08

Sprinkle fresh coriander on top of the chicken and serve it hot with the rice.

Notes

  1. Goes great with naan or pita bread.
  2. You can prep the marinade a day in advance.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep frying pan.
  • Cooking pot.
  • Skillet.
  • Marinating dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy products.
  • Lactose.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 40 g