Tikka Masala Chicken & Rice Bowls

Cubed chicken breast simmered in a mildly spiced, creamy tomato-free tikka masala sauce, served over fluffy basmati rice with a side of quick-steamed green peas.
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook: 20 min
- Total: 30 min
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Indian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $3.35/serving
Dietary
- High-Protein
- Low-Sugar
Tags
- quick
- comfort food
- spicy
- savory
- budget-friendly
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 0.25 cup yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder (mild)
- 0.75 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat recommended)
- 2 cup basmati rice (uncooked)
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook basmati rice according to package directions while you prepare the chicken.
- Season cubed chicken breast with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add finely diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic powder, ginger powder, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in low sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, then gradually stir in plain Greek yogurt until well combined and smooth. Return chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce has thickened slightly. Season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Microwave or steam the frozen green peas for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Serve the tikka masala chicken over cooked basmati rice, with a side of green peas and garnished with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
This dish reheats well, making it great for packing lunches. For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 56 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fat: 19.5 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg