One Pan Tandoori Chicken with Spiced Coconut Rice

One Pan Tandoori Chicken with Spiced Coconut Rice is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal made in a single skillet. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a yogurt-based tandoori spice blend, then seared and cooked alongside fragrant coconut rice infused with warm Indian spices. It’s a complete, wholesome meal with bold flavor and easy cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All cooked in one pan—easy cleanup
• Juicy, flavorful tandoori-style chicken
• Creamy, spiced coconut rice that pairs perfectly
• Ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein swaps

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Marinade:

• boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• plain Greek yogurt
• lemon juice
• garlic, minced
• ginger, grated
• ground cumin
• ground coriander
• paprika
• turmeric
• cayenne pepper
• garam masala
• salt and pepper

For the Spiced Coconut Rice:

• olive oil or coconut oil
• basmati white rice
• lite coconut milk
• water
• ground cumin
• ground coriander
• turmeric
• red pepper flakes
• frozen green peas
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 8 hours.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade (shake off excess) and sear for 23 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate.
3. Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add coconut milk, water, spices, and rice. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Stir in green peas.
4. Cook Together: Nestle the seared chicken back into the rice. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 2025 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Rest and Serve: Let sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat. Fluff the rice, garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon, and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marination time)
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (with marination)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or paneer in place of chicken
• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or carrots go great in the rice
• Spicier Version: Increase cayenne or add chopped green chilies
• Alternate Grains: Use brown rice or quinoa, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Breasts may cook faster, so adjust timing.

Is this dish very spicy?

It’s moderately spiced. Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes to your taste.

Can I skip the marination?

Marination adds a lot of flavor, but even 30 minutes helps. Skip only if necessary.

What kind of rice works best?

Basmati rice is ideal for its fragrance and fluffy texture. Jasmine rice can be used as well.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! It reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

What vegetables can I add?

Peas, bell peppers, spinach, carrots, or even cauliflower work well in this dish.

Is coconut milk essential?

It adds creaminess and subtle sweetness. You can use broth with a splash of cream as a substitute.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes. After preparing the rice and searing the chicken, bake covered at 350°F for 2530 minutes.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a plant-based yogurt for the marinade to keep it dairy-free.

What to serve with it?

It’s a complete meal, but you can add raita, cucumber salad, or naan on the side.

Conclusion

One Pan Tandoori Chicken with Spiced Coconut Rice is a flavorful, all-in-one meal that delivers restaurant-quality results at home. With its aromatic spices, creamy rice, and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite for both weeknights and entertaining.

Print