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Tandoori Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

Tandoori Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Pilaf


  • Author: OliviaBennett
  • Total Time: 45 mins

Description

When spice meets cozy, magic happens. Tender yogurt-marinated chicken baked to smoky perfection pairs with golden raisin–studded cauliflower rice, crunchy toasted almonds, and sweet pops of peas. This 45-minute beauty delivers vibrant flavor without the post-dinner slump—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you want to feel like a kitchen rockstar.


Ingredients

Scale

For Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp tandoori spice blend (or DIY mix)

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

  • ½ tsp salt

For Pilaf

  • 4 cups riced cauliflower

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee

  • ½ cup frozen peas

  • ¼ cup toasted almonds

  • ¼ cup golden raisins

  • ½ tsp cumin seeds (optional)

  • Salt & pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken – Mix yogurt, lemon, tandoori spice, garlic, ginger, and salt. Coat chicken; marinate 30 min (or overnight).

  2. Bake chicken – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet with parchment. Bake chicken 20–25 min, until 165°F inside. Optional: broil 1–2 min for char.

  3. Cook pilaf – Heat oil/ghee in skillet. Toast cumin seeds (if using). Add cauliflower rice, sauté 3–4 min. Stir in peas, almonds, raisins, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.

  4. Assemble – Divide pilaf into bowls. Slice chicken and place on top. Optional: drizzle with mint yogurt sauce (¼ cup yogurt + 1 tbsp mint + 1 tsp lemon juice + pinch salt).

Notes

Toast the almonds—skip this and you’ll miss that addictive crunch.

  • Prep Time: 15 min (+ 30 min marinate)
  • Cook Time: 25 min

Nutrition

  • Calories: 390 cal Per Serving
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 36g