Spicy Grilled Chicken with Turmeric Rice and Red Pepper Tomato Sauce

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Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)

A flavorful dish featuring marinated grilled chicken served over turmeric rice with a spicy red pepper tomato sauce.

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
35min
Total Time
1hr 5min
Spicy Grilled Chicken with Turmeric Rice and Red Pepper Tomato Sauce recipe

Ingredients

3 Servings
(1 serving = 1 piece of chicken with rice and sauce)

Chicken Marinade

  • 500g
    boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1cup
    buttermilk
  • 2tbsp
    tandoori marinade
  • 1tsp
    salt
  • 1/2tsp
    black pepper

Red Pepper Tomato Sauce

  • 1tbsp
    olive oil
  • 1piece
    red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3clove
    garlic
  • 1cup
    tomato purée
  • 1/2tsp
    red chili flakes
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Turmeric Rice

  • 1cup
    basmati rice
  • 2cups
    water or chicken broth
  • 1/2tsp
    turmeric powder
  • 1/2tsp
    salt

How to make Spicy Grilled Chicken with Turmeric Rice and Red Pepper Tomato Sauce

  1. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, tandoori marinade, salt, and pepper.

  2. Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavour).

  3. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

  4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.

    Step 1.1: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off
  6. Grill each piece for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and slightly charred. Set aside.

Prepare the Turmeric Rice

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, turmeric, and salt.

  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat.

  3. Cover and let simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. Set aside and keep warm.

Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a blender or food processor, add the chopped red bell pepper, garlic cloves, tomato purée, and red chili flakes. Blend until smooth.

  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the blended sauce mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.

  3. Once the sauce is ready, quickly dip each grilled chicken piece in the sauce to coat, then transfer to a serving plate.

    Step 3.1: Once the sauce is ready, quickly dip each grilled chicken piece in the sauce to coat, then transfer to a serving plate

Serve

  1. Serve the spicy grilled chicken over a bed of turmeric rice, with extra sauce on the side if desired.

    Step 4.1: Serve the spicy grilled chicken over a bed of turmeric rice, with extra sauce on the side if desired
  2. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red chili flakes.

  2. Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor.