If there’s one dish that always hits the spot, it’s this: Chicken Over Rice. It’s warm, savory, and filled with comforting spices that make your kitchen smell like magic. Picture tender, juicy chicken nestled on a bed of perfectly seasoned rice—every bite is bursting with flavor, and it’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes for a second just to savor it.
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Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or planning a cozy weekend meal, this dish will absolutely deliver. It has that street-cart flair with a homemade twist, and trust me—you’re going to fall head over heels for this one. Ready to make something delicious together?
Why You’ll Love Chicken Over Rice
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Chicken Over Rice
Here’s the beauty of this dish—it combines pantry staples with just the right seasoning to make magic happen in your mouth.
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The heart of the dish. Choose boneless, skinless cuts that turn irresistibly juicy and flavorful after marinating.
Long Grain Rice: Fluffy, fragrant, and the perfect base for soaking up all the juices and spices.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build a deep, savory flavor base—don’t skip them!
Olive Oil or Butter: For cooking and adding richness. A drizzle makes everything taste better.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps it moist and delicious.
Turmeric, Cumin, Paprika: The spice trio that gives the dish its golden hue and warm, earthy flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together and enhance all the flavors.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Cilantro): For that final fresh, herby lift that brightens each bite.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment:
Start by preheating your skillet or pan to medium-high heat. This helps get that beautiful sear on the chicken while locking in all those juices.
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic, turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15–30 minutes to let the flavors soak in.
Sear the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through, flipping once. This should take about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant.
Cook the Rice:
Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat in the flavorful oil. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
Add the Chicken Back In:
Nestle the chicken into the rice during the last few minutes of cooking so the flavors can mingle and everything stays warm.
Finishing Touches:
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Let it sit covered for a few minutes off the heat to let everything settle and steam together.
Serve and Enjoy:
Fluff the rice with a fork, serve warm, and enjoy a delicious, soul-satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 460
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Over Rice
This dish is a star on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it up a notch:
Fresh Salads: A crisp cucumber and tomato salad with a lemony vinaigrette is the perfect bright side.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm pita or flatbread to scoop up the saucy rice.
Creamy Accompaniments: A spoonful of tzatziki or plain Greek yogurt adds cool contrast.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted carrots, bell peppers, or a simple sautéed spinach go beautifully.
As a Standalone: It’s hearty enough to stand alone—just add a squeeze of lemon for brightness and a sprinkle of herbs for flair.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before for extra flavor and less effort when cooking.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper if you love a little heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or sub chicken with tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Double the Batch: It freezes well, so make extra and save some for later—future you will thank you.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts?
A1: Yes, absolutely. Breasts are leaner but still delicious. Just be careful not to overcook them.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Totally. Prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yep! It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the rice seems dry.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely. Just use a larger pan or pot, and double the ingredients.
Q7: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A7: Yes, but it will take longer to cook and may need more liquid.
Q8: Can I add veggies into the rice?
A8: For sure! Peas, carrots, or bell peppers are great additions.
Q9: What herbs go best with this?
A9: Parsley and cilantro are both perfect, but mint can be lovely too!
Q10: Is this dish spicy?
A10: Not by default, but you can turn up the heat with chili flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
And there you have it—Chicken Over Rice that’s as comforting as a warm hug and as satisfying as your favorite takeout (but even better). Try it once, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
Chicken Over Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Tandoori Chicken Over Rice recipe is a bold and flavorful take on the classic chicken and rice combo. Marinated in aromatic spices and seared to perfection, the chicken pairs beautifully with buttery spiced basmati rice, a refreshing chopped salad, and a creamy homemade white sauce. It’s a must-try for lovers of Indian and Middle Eastern flavors, and it fits right into your list of healthy recipes, recipes for dinner, and simple high protein meals. Serve this crowd-pleaser on a busy weeknight or meal-prep it for flavorful lunches all week long.
Ingredients
Tandoori Chicken:
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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6 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp ground coriander
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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2 tsp tandoori masala
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1/2 tsp cumin
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1/2 tsp Middle Eastern 7 spice
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/4 tsp white pepper
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1/2 tsp salt
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1.5 tbsp plain yogurt
White Sauce:
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3/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup plain yogurt
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1 garlic clove
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Juice of 1/4 lemon
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp sugar
Rice:
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2 tbsp ghee
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1 chicken bouillon cube
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1 tsp Middle Eastern 7 spice
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2 cardamom pods
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Salt to taste
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1.5 cups basmati rice
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3 cups water
Salad:
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Chopped lettuce
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Tomato, diced
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Cucumber, diced
Instructions
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Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, mix chicken with garlic, coriander, paprika, tandoori masala, cumin, 7 spice, both peppers, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and yogurt. Massage thoroughly and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
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Prepare White Sauce: Blend mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, pepper, salt, and sugar until smooth. Chill in fridge.
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Rinse and Soak Rice: Wash rice 4–8 times until water is mostly clear. Soak until ready to use.
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Cook Rice: In a pot, melt ghee on medium-high. Add bouillon cube, 7 spice, and cardamom. Stir in drained rice and toast briefly. Add water and salt, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes.
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Cook Chicken: Heat ghee in a pan and sear chicken 8–10 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Chop into small chunks.
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Finish Chicken: Return chicken to pan with a bit more tandoori masala. Sauté on high heat 2–3 minutes until slightly charred.
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Assemble Dish: Serve chicken over rice with chopped lettuce, cucumber, and tomato. Drizzle white sauce (and hot sauce, if desired) over top. Garnish with parsley if you like.
Notes
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Marinating longer enhances flavor deeply.
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Use Greek yogurt for a tangier white sauce.
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Great for meal prep—keeps well for 3–4 days.
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For low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg