Description
Crispy chicken tikka bowls with mint sauce deliver a spectacular Indian-inspired culinary journey through fragrant spices and tender meat. Marinated chicken pieces rest on fluffy rice, complemented by cool mint sauce that brings fresh complexity to each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (for marinade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (for mint sauce)
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tbsps water (to thin, as needed)
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice or quinoa
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or greens
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- Pickled red onions (optional)
- Warm naan or flatbread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate: Whisk yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices in a large bowl. Completely coat chicken pieces, ensuring thorough coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Prepare Oven: Preheat to 425°F with rack centered. Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Roast Chicken: Spread marinated chicken in a single layer, maintaining space between pieces. Cook for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee even caramelization and thorough cooking.
- Crisp Finish: Activate broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to achieve golden-brown edges without burning.
- Mint Sauce Creation: Blend yogurt, mint leaves, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency with water if needed, and fine-tune seasoning.
- Plate and Serve: Layer rice as a base, top with roasted chicken pieces. Embellish with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and pickled onions. Lavish with mint sauce and accompany with warm naan bread.
Notes
- Marinate Wisely: Ensure chicken is fully submerged in marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Space chicken pieces separately on baking sheet to achieve crispy, evenly caramelized edges and prevent steaming.
- Watch Broiling Carefully: Monitor chicken during final 2-3 minutes under broiler to create crispy exterior without burning the meat.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: Adjust mint sauce thickness by adding water gradually, tasting and seasoning to achieve perfect balance of flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg