The Ultimate Tandoori-Spiced Chicken and Rice Prep Meals
PREP TIME
20 minutes
COOK TIME
Marination Time: Minimum 1 hour, but ideally 8 hours or overnight
Cook Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
SERVINGS
5 complete meal prep containers
Ingredients
For the Tandoori-Spiced Chicken:
- 2.5 lbs (about 1.2 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes. (Thighs are recommended over breasts as they remain much juicier after cooking and reheating).
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat is best for richness and marination).
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (you can buy this in a jar or make it by blending equal parts fresh ginger and garlic cloves).
- 1 tbsp garam masala.
- 2 tsp kashmiri red chili powder (this provides a brilliant red colour without overwhelming heat. Paprika is a good substitute).
- 2 tsp ground cumin.
- 2 tsp ground coriander.
- 1 tsp turmeric powder.
- 1.5 tsp salt.
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or other neutral high-heat oil.
For the Fragrant Basmati Rice:
- 1.5 cups high-quality Basmati rice.
- 2.75 cups water or chicken broth.
- 1 tbsp ghee or butter.
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed.
- 4 whole cloves.
- 1 bay leaf.
- 1 tsp salt.
For the Charred Vegetables & Garnish:
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares.
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares.
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks.
- 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish).
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving).
Equipment Used
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife
- Medium Pot with a tight-fitting lid
- Fine-Mesh Sieve
- 5 Meal Prep Containers with airtight lids
- Skewers: For a professional tandoor setup, heavy-duty skewers like the Tandoor Morni AS04 Square Tandoor Skewers are essential. These 36-inch long, square skewers are designed to fit commercial ovens. The square profile is a game-changer as it securely grips the chicken pieces, preventing them from spinning when you turn them. For standard home use on a grill or in an oven, shorter metal or soaked bamboo skewers will work perfectly.
- Tandoor of Choice: Now, for the magnificent centerpiece of the operation. While this recipe is designed for home meal prep, if you are a true barbecue aficionado with a professional-grade outdoor kitchen, the Tandoor Morni CH06 – 36″ x 36″ x 37″ Restaurant Clay Oven is the ultimate tool for this job. This commercial-grade oven provides unparalleled, intense, and even radiant heat, creating that signature smoky flavour and char that is the hallmark of authentic tandoori cooking. For the rest of us cooking on a Tuesday afternoon in Mississauga, don’t worry! You will get absolutely fantastic results using the more accessible methods detailed in the instructions—a standard outdoor barbecue grill or your oven’s broiler function will still give you a delicious, beautifully charred meal.
Instructions
Follow these steps closely, and I promise you’ll have restaurant-quality meal prep bowls.
Step 1: The Magic Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all the dry spices. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, vibrant, and fragrant paste. This marinade is the flavour engine for our entire dish and the secret to what makes these the best Chicken and Rice Prep Meals. This is the foundational step that will ensure every bite of your future Chicken and Rice Prep Meals is packed with incredible taste.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your cubed chicken thighs to the bowl. Now, don’t just stir it—get your hands in there and massage the marinade into the chicken. This ensures maximum flavour for what will be the star protein in your Chicken and Rice Prep Meals. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. For a decent result, let it sit for at least an hour. For truly spectacular, fall-apart tender chicken in your finished Chicken and Rice Prep Meals, marinating overnight is my top recommendation.
Step 3: Prepare the Perfect Rice
You simply cannot have high-quality Chicken and Rice Prep Meals with clumpy or bland rice. The secret is to rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. In your pot, melt the ghee and toast the whole spices before adding the rice and water. This aromatic pilaf-style base is what elevates these beyond typical Chicken and Rice Prep Meals. Follow the simmering and resting instructions precisely for perfect results.
Step 4: Skewer and Cook the Chicken & Vegetables
While the rice is resting, it’s time to cook the components that bring these Chicken and Rice Prep Meals to life. Thread the marinated chicken and fresh vegetables onto your skewers. The sight and smell of the chicken and vegetables charring is the most satisfying part! This active cooking phase is what transforms the individual ingredients into the delicious, smoky core of your Chicken and Rice Prep Meals.
Step 5: Cool and Assemble
Once everything is cooked, allow all components to cool on the counter for 20-30 minutes. This step is vital—packing hot food creates steam, which is the enemy of great Chicken and Rice Prep Meals. After cooling, it’s time to build your bowls. This is where you see your efforts come together into five distinct Chicken and Rice Prep Meals. Divide the fluffy rice, top with the tender tandoori chicken and charred vegetables, and admire your delicious, ready-to-go Chicken and Rice Prep Meals.
Step 6: Garnish and Store
The final touches are what keep things exciting all week long. Sprinkle fresh cilantro and add a lemon wedge to each container. Seal the containers tightly and store them in the refrigerator. Your future self will thank you for having a fridge stocked with these amazing Chicken and Rice Prep Meals. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing a delicious and healthy lunch is waiting for you, making these the most reliable Chicken and Rice Prep Meals you’ll ever make.
Need Help? Order and Technical Support
Have questions or ready to place an order? Reach out to us via phone at +1(727) 251 6924 or email us at info@tandoormorni.com. Need detailed instructions? Explore the Operation Manual for our CH & CS models to get started with your Tandoor oven today.
About Tandoor Morni
Tandoor Morni, in business since 1992, is a trusted name in premium Tandoori Clay Ovens, known for crafting high-quality traditional and commercial tandoors. With a commitment to excellence, Tandoor Morni offers a wide range of tandoors, including commercial, residential, catering, and copper models. Our tandoors are built with durable materials and designed for efficient heat distribution, ensuring authentic flavors and fast cooking. Each oven features customizable options like gas, wood fire, or charcoal compatibility, making them suitable for various cooking needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best flour for naan bread?
All-purpose flour works best for soft and chewy naan.
Why is my naan not fluffy?
It might be the dough—try letting it rise longer and make sure it’s not too dry.
Which Indian bread is healthiest?
Whole wheat roti is the healthiest—light, oil-free, and full of fiber
Are tandoori and naan same?
No. Naan isa bread and tandoori is a style of cooking in a tandoor oven.
