This is one of my favourite quick meals, and it’s been a go-to since my university days. I first found it on an Instagram page and it instantly became a staple because it takes under 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and tastes unreal. It is a lemon pepper chicken bowl served with turmeric rice and a spicy yoghurt dressing and trust me, it is really addictive.
Serves: 1–2
Time: 25–30 minutes (+ marination time)
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup coriander (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (diced or crushed)
- 2 tsp chilli powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp oil
Spicy Yoghurt Dressing
- ½ cup plain yoghurt
- ¼ cup water (adjust as needed)
- 2 green chillies (finely diced)
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- Coriander leaves (for mixing + topping)
Turmeric Rice
- ½ cup basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ cups water
Method
1) Marinate the chicken
Mix the chicken thighs with all the marinade ingredients. Leave it for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better if you have time).
2) Cook the chicken
Heat a pan on medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Cook the chicken for around 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until it’s golden outside and fully cooked inside.
(Tip: If the chicken browns too quickly, lower the heat and cover the pan for 2–3 minutes so it cooks through.)
3) Start the rice in the same pan
Once the chicken is done, remove it and keep it aside. In the same pan, add:
- 1tsp Turmeric
- 1tsp Chilli powder
- 1tsp Salt
Add the soaked (drained) rice and roast for 2 minutes so the rice gets coated in the spices.
4) Cook the rice
Pour in 1½ cups of water, bring it to a boil, then cover and cook on low heat until the rice is done and fluffy.
5) Make the yoghurt dressing
In a bowl, whisk the yoghurt and water together until smooth and creamy. Then add the green chillies, chilli powder, pepper, salt, garlic, and coriander. Mix well.
(If you want it thinner like a drizzle, add a splash more water.)
6) Assemble the bowl
Plate the turmeric rice, add the lemon pepper chicken on top, and finish with the spicy yoghurt dressing.
That’s it, your lemon pepper chicken bowl is ready. Simple, spicy, and seriously addictive.
Veggie Swap 🌱
If you are a vegetarian, you can easily replace the chicken with tofu or paneer and still get the same amazing flavours.
