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Creamy tandoori chicken

Featured in Chicken dishes that always work.

A complete Indian dish blending spiced tandoori chicken in a tomato-based creamy sauce and fragrant curry rice with sweet onions.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:21:52 GMT
A dish of creamy curry chicken garnished with coriander and served alongside golden rice. Pin it
A dish of creamy curry chicken garnished with coriander and served alongside golden rice. | Tasteofsavor.com

Every time I make this classic tandoori chicken, the aromatic Indian spices fill my kitchen with warmth and fragrance. This weekend favorite combines tender chicken, fragrant rice, and caramelized onions into a perfectly balanced dish that delivers authentic flavors in every bite.

The Art of Spice Blending

The magic happens as the chicken absorbs the tandoori spices while the rice takes on a golden hue. Sweet caramelized onions provide the perfect complement, melting slowly to add depth. The combination creates layers of flavor that make this dish truly special.

Marination: The Key Step

Begin with 500g of quality chicken breast, cut into generous pieces. The marinade combines full-fat yogurt with tandoori spices, turmeric, and chili powder. Fresh ginger and garlic add aromatic depth, while lemon juice brightens and balances the flavors.

Creating the Rich Sauce

Start by sautéing minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Build the sauce with tomato puree, traditional spices, and a touch of sugar for balance. Finish with cream to coat the grilled chicken pieces, and butter for richness. Fresh cilantro adds the perfect finishing touch.

Perfect Basmati Rice

Select premium basmati rice for its distinctive aroma and texture. Let onions cook slowly until golden and sweet. A pinch of curry powder and a pat of butter elevate this side dish from basic to extraordinary.

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. | Tasteofsavor.com

Caramelized Onion Magic

Slow-cooked onions are essential to this dish's success. Cook them gently over low heat until 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. It’s thicker and sticks better to the chicken compared to plain yogurt.
→ What’s the secret to a creamy sauce?
Let the sauce simmer gently on low heat, then stir in the cream towards the end. Avoid boiling after adding the cream to keep it smooth.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken the night before and prep the sauce in advance. Reheat slowly, adding extra cream if needed.
→ How do I adjust the tandoori spice levels?
Start with the suggested amounts and tweak to your preference. Taste the sauce once it’s cooked and make adjustments as needed.
→ Why does my rice stick together?
Make sure to rinse the rice well before cooking and avoid stirring too often. Once done, fluff it with a fork and add a little butter.

Tandoori chicken in sauce

Tender tandoori-marinated chicken cooked in creamy, spiced sauce, paired with aromatic curry rice and sweet onions.

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

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Combine the yogurt, tandoori spices, turmeric, chili powder, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. Let the chicken soak in this marinade for at least 3 hours or overnight in the fridge.

Step 02

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

Step 03

In a large pan, sauté the minced garlic and ginger. Stir in the tomato puree, sugar, chili powder, and tandoori spices. Let everything simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 04

Pour the cream into the pan, add the butter, and mix in the grilled chicken. Sprinkle some salt, then let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes.

Step 05

Cook the basmati rice, drain it, and set it aside once done.

Step 06

Slowly cook the onions over low heat for about 10 minutes. Then stir in the sugar and let them caramelize.

Step 07

Toss the cooked rice with the caramelized onions, butter, curry powder, and a pinch of salt. Let it fry together for a few minutes.

Step 08

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the chicken and serve hot alongside the prepared rice.

Notes

  1. It’s great paired with naan bread or pita.
  2. You can prepare the marinade a day in advance.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pan.
  • Pot for boiling.
  • Frying pan.
  • Container for marinating.

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