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Tandoori Chicken with Mushroom Pilau

Cook
30 min
Yield
2 servings
Level
medium
Cuisine
Indian
Tandoori Chicken with Mushroom Pilau

Pan-seared tandoori chicken with aromatic mushroom pilau, finished with fresh coriander and toasted almonds. Chicken is marinated in yoghurt and curry paste, then cooked on a hot griddle for caramelized edges. The pilau combines basmati rice with sautéed onions, ginger, garlic, and mushrooms in mild curry spices.

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Method

7 steps
  1. 1

    Mix yoghurt and curry paste together, then stir through sliced chicken and marinate for a few minutes.

  2. 2

    Heat oil in a large frying pan and add onions, garlic, ginger, and curry powder, frying gently.

  3. 3

    Add mushrooms and cook, then reduce heat.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan until hot and place chicken pieces in it, cooking on each side to develop sear marks.

  5. 5

    Cook the rice according to package directions.

  6. 6

    When chicken is cooked, stir it into the mushroom mixture with the coriander.

  7. 7

    Serve topped with toasted almonds and a dollop of yoghurt if desired.

Tips

Tip 1

Marinate chicken for at least a few minutes so flavors penetrate before cooking.

Tip 2

Use a hot griddle pan to develop caramelized sear marks on the chicken.

Tip 3

Reduce heat after adding mushrooms to prevent overcooking.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days. Rice and chicken can be stored separately.

Make Ahead

Marinate chicken up to 2 hours before cooking. Prepare vegetable mise en place up to 4 hours ahead.

Serve With

Serve immediately while chicken retains warmth and sear marks are visible. Optional yoghurt dollop adds cooling element.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the marinating step to avoid bland, dry chicken.

Watch

Don't overcrowd the griddle pan to avoid steaming instead of searing.

Watch

Don't cook mushrooms too long to avoid becoming mushy.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

natural yoghurt→
Greek yoghurt1:1dairy

tangier flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

chicken breast→
chicken thigh1:1protein

juicier, more flavorful

Full guide →
garam masala→
garam masala blend1:1spice

if using as curry powder substitute

Full guide →
basmati rice→
jasmine rice1:1grain

similar texture, slightly fragrant

Full guide →
vegetable oil→
coconut oil1:1fat

adds subtle coconut note

Full guide →
mushrooms→
paneer100g:80gprotein

creamy alternative, removes:vegan

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →