Indian Grilled Chicken & Zucchini Rice Bowls
Juicy Indian-spiced grilled chicken thighs and smoky zucchini make a fast, seasonal July dinner bowl with basmati rice and a bright lime-cilantro finish.
Ingredients
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Simple Truth® Natural Boneless and Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs Griller Pack BIG DEAL!1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs $4.49
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Zucchini1 lb, sliced lengthwise into planks $1.29
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Simple Truth Organic® Basmati Rice1/2 cup dry rice $5.99
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Fresh Organic Limes - Each1 lime, zested and juiced $1.50
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Garlic2 cloves, grated or minced $0.79
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Ginger Root1 tablespoon grated $4.99
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Organic Cilantro1/4 cup chopped $1.99
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Plain yogurt1/3 cup
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Olive oil or neutral oil2 tablespoons, divided
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Garam masala1 1/2 teaspoons
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Ground cumin1 teaspoon
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Ground turmeric1/2 teaspoon
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Paprika or Kashmiri chile powder1/2 teaspoon
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Kosher salt3/4 teaspoon, divided
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Black pepper1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prep the marinade: in a bowl, mix yogurt, lime zest, half the lime juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper; add chicken thighs and coat well, then let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while you start the rice and grill.
- Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs mostly clear, then combine with 3/4 cup water and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan; bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
- Heat the grill to medium-high and clean the grates; toss the zucchini planks with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Grill the chicken thighs for 5–7 minutes per side, moving as needed to avoid flare-ups, until nicely charred and the thickest part reaches 165°F; transfer to a plate to rest for 5 minutes.
- Grill the zucchini for 2–3 minutes per side until tender with grill marks; cut into bite-size pieces after grilling.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in most of the chopped cilantro plus a squeeze of lime juice.
- Slice the rested chicken, then plate rice bowls with grilled zucchini and chicken on top; finish with remaining cilantro and extra lime juice to taste.
Total time: 45 minutes
Estimated cost: About $9–$13 for the portions used, depending on pantry spices and yogurt on hand; the sale chicken thighs and zucchini keep it budget-friendly.
Health notes: Serves 2; about 620 calories per serving with high protein from chicken, moderate carbs from rice, and a good vegetable portion from zucchini.
Drink pairing: Pair with cold sparkling water with lime or a lightly chilled Riesling to balance the warm spices and grill char.