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Easy Tandoori Masala Chicken Served with Colourful Vegetable Savoury Rice
An Easy Tandoori Masala Chicken for a Flavour-Packed Family Dinner
Additional Information
- Can this be frozen? Yes. Allow both the chicken and rice to cool completely before placing them into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How long can this be stored, and how? Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat until piping hot before serving.
- Can I make it ahead? Yes. The chicken actually develops even more flavour after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
- Is it very spicy? The spice level is medium, but you can easily reduce or increase the masalas to suit your family’s taste.
- Can I cook it in the oven? Yes. Bake the marinated chicken in a covered ovenproof dish at 400⁰F (200⁰C) for about 40 to 45 minutes, uncovering during the last 10 minutes if you’d like the sauce to reduce slightly.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap chicken pieces for boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, although the cooking time will be longer.
- Frozen mixed vegetables work well if you’re short on time.
- Fresh coriander can be used if fresh dhania isn’t available.
- If you can’t find the Datar spice blends, substitute with your favourite tandoori seasoning and chicken masala blend, adjusting to your preferred spice level.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra freshness.
Enjoy this Easy Tandoori Masala Chicken made with tender chicken, colourful vegetables, and bold Datar spices. It’s an easy family dinner that’s full of flavour and perfect for weeknight meals or relaxed weekend gatherings.
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Easy Tandoori Masala Chicken
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner Recipes
- Method: Easy Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This tandoori masala chicken is full of bold spices, tender chicken, and a rich, lightly saucy finish that’s perfect spooned over savoury vegetable rice. It’s an easy family meal that comes together with everyday ingredients and delivers plenty of flavour.
Ingredients
Vegetable Savoury Rice
- 1 1/2 cups rice of choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 punnets of mushrooms, sliced
- 2 green peppers, sliced
- 4 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of peas
- 1 cup corn
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Tandoori Masala Chicken
- 2.2 lb – 1 kg chicken, cleaned and portioned
- 1 tsp Datar Durban Masala
- 2 tbsp Datar Chicken Masala
- 3 tbsp Datar Tandoori Masala
- 2 tbsp Datar BBQ Masala
- 2 tbsp Datar Chicken Tikka Masala
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh dhania, finely chopped
- 2 to 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water, if needed, while cooking
Instructions
Vegetable Savoury Rice
- Cook 1 1/2 cups of rice of your choice according to the packet instructions until tender. Drain well and set aside so the grains stay separate.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add 1 finely chopped large onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Stir in 2 punnets sliced mushrooms, 2 sliced green peppers, 4 thinly sliced carrots, 1 cup peas, and 1 cup corn.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still colourful.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Fold the cooked 1 1/2 cups rice into the vegetables until everything is evenly combined and heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Tandoori Masala Chicken
- Place 1 kg of cleaned and portioned chicken into a large bowl.
- Add 1 tsp Datar Durban Masala, 2 tbsp Datar Chicken Masala, 3 tbsp Datar Tandoori Masala, 2 tbsp Datar BBQ Masala, 2 tbsp Datar Chicken Tikka Masala, salt to taste, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dhania, 2 to 3 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 cup tomato sauce.
- Mix everything thoroughly so every piece of chicken is well coated.
- If you’ve got the time, let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge. Overnight gives even better flavour.
- Heat a large frying pan or heavy pot over medium heat and add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally until lightly browned.
- Add 1/4 cup water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Cover with a lid and continue cooking for another 25 to 30 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the tandoori masala chicken over the warm vegetable savoury rice with a fresh salad on the side.
Notes
Prepared, tried, and tested by Nazley
Why You Will Love and Enjoy This Easy Tandoori Masala Chicken
- The chicken is packed with bold, warming spices while staying juicy and tender.
- The colourful vegetable rice makes it a complete meal with very little extra effort.
- It’s easy to prepare ahead, reheats beautifully, and is just as delicious the next day.
Easy Tandoori Masala Chicken is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying dinner filled with bold spices, tender chicken, and colourful vegetables. The combination of flavourful tandoori chicken and savoury vegetable rice creates a complete meal that is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and ideal for bringing variety to the dinner table. This recipe is a great choice for busy evenings, weekend meals, or whenever a delicious homemade chicken dinner is needed.
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