Curry Chicken and Rice with Garlic Yogurt Sauce (45 Minutes)

Print

Print Recipe

Few dishes are as comforting and rewarding as a well-made curried rice. This dish, rich with the flavors of chicken, tomatoes, onions, and a hint of curry, gains texture and a delightful crunch from cashews and snap peas. Yet, what truly elevates this rice dish is the creamy garlic yogurt sauce, providing a cooling contrast to the warmth of the curry. It’s a beautiful mélange of flavors and textures, creating a meal that’s both hearty and flavorful.

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Curried Chicken and Rice:
  • 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 3 tbsp curry powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Start the Rice (15 minutes): In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer until rice is tender.
  2. Cook the Chicken (10 minutes): In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil or ghee over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of curry powder. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables (8 minutes): In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, cooking until translucent. Stir in the tomatoes and the remaining curry powder. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
  4. Combine Chicken, Veggies, and Rice (5 minutes): Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the cashews and snap peas. Fold in the cooked rice, ensuring everything is mixed well and heated through.
  5. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce (3 minutes): In a bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until smooth.
  6. Serve (2 minutes): Plate the curried chicken and rice. Drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce over the top or serve on the side for spooning. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

The key to this dish lies in the delicate balance of flavors. Be sure not to overpower with too much curry; the beauty is in tasting each individual ingredient. Toasting the cashews beforehand can bring out a deeper flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a diced chili pepper during the vegetable sauté step. Pair with a chilled beverage or a glass of white wine to complete this delightful meal.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/curry-chicken-and-rice-with-garlic-yogurt-sauce-45-minutes/