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

  • Simple Truth® Natural Boneless and Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs Griller Pack BIG DEAL!
    1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs $4.49
  • Zucchini
    1 lb, sliced lengthwise into planks $1.29
  • Simple Truth Organic® Basmati Rice
    1/2 cup dry rice $5.99
  • Fresh Organic Limes - Each
    1 lime, zested and juiced $1.50
  • Garlic
    2 cloves, grated or minced $0.79
  • Ginger Root
    1 tablespoon grated $4.99
  • Organic Cilantro
    1/4 cup chopped $1.99
  • Plain yogurt
    1/3 cup
  • Olive oil or neutral oil
    2 tablespoons, divided
  • Garam masala
    1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground turmeric
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Paprika or Kashmiri chile powder
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    3/4 teaspoon, divided
  • Black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Grill the zucchini for 2–3 minutes per side until tender with grill marks; cut into bite-size pieces after grilling.
  6. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in most of the chopped cilantro plus a squeeze of lime juice.
  7. 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.