Feed a hungry crowd with this simple one-pot recipe for chicken tikka rice, packed with aromatic whole spices and tender chunks of chicken.
This is my go-to one-pot meal, ideal for those days when you are rushing around and have no time to spare. Everything cooks together in a single pot, saving you time and effort. This mouth-watering dish brings together tender pieces of chicken cooked with authentic Indian spices and aromatic basmati rice, making it a delicious homemade feast.
SERVES: 5-6
TOTAL TIME: 1hr 40min
PREP TIME: 40min
COOK TIME: 1 hr
INGREDIENTS
- 350g basmati rice
- 4 tbsp oil
- 2 large onions, finely diced
- 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 tbsp chicken tikka masala paste
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
- 200g tomato passata
- 700ml water
- 5g fresh coriander, finely chopped
- 1 fresh lemon, cut into wedges
- salt, to taste
Whole spices:
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cardamom pods
- 3 cloves
- 3 black peppercorns
- 2 star anise
METHOD
-
Wash the rice in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. Then soak in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This will reduce the cooking time and help the rice cook evenly.
-
Heat a large pot on medium heat and pour in the oil. Add all the whole spices and fry for 30–40 seconds until they start to sizzle. Add the onions and fry gently until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add the chicken pieces, ginger and garlic paste, tikka masala paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, the chilli powder and the Kashmiri chilli powder and cook for 20 minutes until no moisture is left from the chicken.
-
Stir in the tomato passata and cook for 8–10 minutes, until the sauce is reduced. Add the rice, pour in the water, season with salt, and stir. Partially cover the pan with a lid (not completely or the water may boil over) and cook for 15 minutes until the water has been absorbed, then give it a stir once without disturbing the rice too much. Cover with the lid fully and cook for another 15 minutes on a low heat – the build-up of steam will cook and fluff up the rice.
-
Serve on a large platter, garnished with chopped coriander and lemon wedges, with a glass of sweet yogurt lassi.
The iconic sticky toffee pudding gets an upgrade in this recipe from Seema Pankhania that infuses the sponge with spiced dark rum to complement the flavours of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses.
My baked frittata fingers are packed full of important nutrients for developing babies.
Fairy bread is a treat traditionally served at birthday parties in Australia, but you can make it for yourself as a snack anytime.
This delicious, simple breaded cod recipe from The Batch Lady is a healthy twist on this family favourite, with lemon and Parmesan added to the coating for extra flavour.
A delicious, warming classic chicken casserole livened up with plenty of fresh herbs, that you can make in the hob or in your slow cooker.
This chicken mayo wrap recipe is a firm favourite for big and little lunches. A fun take on a burrito, this super roll is filling, and very easy to make.
This rich and spicy butter chicken recipe from Seema Pankhania, with its creamy tomato sauce and tender marinated chicken thighs, offers a deeply flavourful twist on the traditional dish, perfect for a satisfying meal served with naan and rice.
A delightful mixture of sweet and savoury, check out these air-fried tacos from Jamie Oliver.
The perfect easy dessert to serve after a roast, Jamie's air fryer crumble has a base of tender apples, pears and blackberries gently spiced with ginger and orange, and finished with a buttery oat topping.
Live the high life with these delectable air-fried fish and chips from Jamie Oliver.
These chicken tenders are a great alternative to a takeaway.
