Chicken Curry Rice Salad

Chicken Curry Rice Salad Recipe from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Curry Rice Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a fragrant curry yogurt marinade, crunchy vegetables, and sweet raisins. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be enjoyed warm or cold.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional curry dishes, combining the bold flavors of curry powder with the freshness of vegetables and the creaminess of yogurt. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

0.5 cup plain yogurt
3 tbsp curry powder, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground red pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cup cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth), cooled
1 medium-size red pepper, julienned
0.5 medium-size red onion, sliced
1 cup snow peas, julienned
2 green onions, sliced
0.33 cup raisins
0.25 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
0.25 cup prepared light italian dressing

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, 2 tbsp curry powder, garlic, salt, and ground red pepper; mix well.
Place the chicken in the mixture and stir to coat.
Cover and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours.
Grill or broil the chicken and then cut it into strips. Refrigerate the strips.
In a separate bowl, combine rice, remaining 1 tbsp curry powder, red pepper, red onion, snow peas, green onions, raisins, and peanuts; mix well.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for one hour.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
To serve, place the chicken strips over the salad.

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple for a touch of sweetness.
Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a mix of red and green vegetables for a colorful and nutritious salad.

- Toast the peanuts before adding them to the salad for extra crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Curry Rice Salad with a side of naan bread or pita chips for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or broiling the chicken adds a smoky flavor to the dish, while marinating the chicken in yogurt helps to tenderize the meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a thicker marinade, and almond or cashew butter instead of peanuts for a nut-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the marinade and salad mixture ahead of time and refrigerate them separately until ready to serve. Cook the chicken and assemble the salad just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken Curry Rice Salad with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Curry Rice Salad with a refreshing cucumber salad or a side of mango chutney for a complete Indian-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Curry Rice Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Curry Rice Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Curry Rice Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Curry Rice Salad contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Curry Rice Salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and dairy (yogurt), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Curry Rice Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Curry Rice Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a light meal or side dish. With its bold flavors and colorful ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Curry Rice Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly afternoon tea. Margaret had always been a fantastic cook, and she had a knack for combining flavors in ways that I had never thought of before.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on our tea and chatting about life, Margaret suddenly pulled out a tattered old recipe card from her recipe box. She handed it to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and said, "I think you'll love this one, dear. It's a family favorite."

I eagerly scanned the recipe card, taking in the ingredients and the instructions. Chicken, curry powder, rice, vegetables, and a tangy dressing made with yogurt and lemon juice. It sounded like a delightful combination of flavors and textures, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Margaret explained that she had learned this recipe from her great-grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a dish that had always been a hit at family gatherings and special occasions, and Margaret had made her own tweaks to the recipe over the years.

I thanked Margaret profusely and promised to make the Chicken Curry Rice Salad for my own family soon. As I drove home that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the recipe and how much I was looking forward to preparing it.

When I got home, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients I would need. I diced the chicken, cooked the rice, chopped the vegetables, and mixed up the tangy dressing. The kitchen was filled with the warm, comforting aroma of curry powder and spices as I cooked.

As I plated up the Chicken Curry Rice Salad and took my first bite, I was transported back to Margaret's kitchen and the feeling of excitement I had felt when she had handed me that recipe card. The flavors were incredible – the tender chicken, the fluffy rice, the crunchy vegetables, and the zesty dressing all came together in perfect harmony.

I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family. When I served it for dinner that night, they all raved about how delicious it was. My husband even asked for seconds, which was a rare occurrence!

From that day on, Chicken Curry Rice Salad became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, and it was always a hit. Over the years, I made my own tweaks to the recipe, adding in different vegetables or experimenting with the spices to suit my family's tastes.

As my grandchildren grew older, they too developed a love for Chicken Curry Rice Salad. They would come over to my house and ask if I could make it for them, and I would always oblige with a smile. It became a dish that was synonymous with love, family, and tradition in our household.

I often think back to that day in Margaret's kitchen when I first discovered the recipe for Chicken Curry Rice Salad. It was a moment that changed the way I cooked and opened up a whole new world of flavors and possibilities for me. I am forever grateful to Margaret for sharing that recipe with me and for inspiring me to create delicious meals for my loved ones.

And as I pass down the recipe for Chicken Curry Rice Salad to my own children and grandchildren, I know that it will continue to be a beloved dish in our family for generations to come. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I am truly grateful.