If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant and flavorful dish that will brighten up your meal times, the Tandoori Chicken Bowl with Garlic Yoghurt Dip Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with fragrant spices, tender chicken, crispy sweet potato fries, and a cooling, garlicky yoghurt dip, this bowl combines textures and tastes that excite the palate. It’s comfort food elevated and comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients that transform into something truly special. Whether you’re feeding two or just craving a bowl of bold flavors, this recipe is a delightful, wholesome choice you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delicious bowl is straightforward thanks to a handful of essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in delivering layers of flavor, exciting texture, and beautiful color to your plate, making every bite a moment to savor.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, they absorb the spices beautifully and cook to tender perfection.
- Sweet potato: Cut into fries, adding a natural sweetness and crisp edge to balance the spices.
- Ground cumin: Brings a deep, earthy warmth that’s classic in tandoori dishes.
- Ground turmeric: Adds a vibrant golden color and a subtle, peppery bitterness.
- Red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick that brightens the entire bowl.
- Dried mixed herbs: Enhances complexity and rounds out all the spices with herbal notes.
- Garlic salt: Infuses the chicken and fries with a subtle, savory punch.
- Olive oil: Helps the spices cling and ensures a crisp, golden finish when cooked.
- Sea salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors.
- Naan bread: The perfect soft, warm accompaniment for scooping and savoring every bite.
- Baby gem lettuce: Adds refreshing crunch and a fresh green contrast.
- Lime: For a zesty garnish that lifts the dish with a bright citrus note.
- Fresh parsley: Scattered on top, it adds lovely color and a hint of herbal freshness.
- Natural yoghurt: The creamy base for the garlic yoghurt dip, cooling and tangy.
- Garlic clove (minced): Instills the yoghurt dip with vibrant garlic flavor.
- Garlic granules: Provide a gentle, consistent garlic essence throughout the dip.
How to Make Tandoori Chicken Bowl with Garlic Yoghurt Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into strips and slicing the sweet potato into fries. Having these ready will streamline the cooking process and ensure even marination of all components.
Step 2: Coat Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips and sweet potato fries. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle all your spices and seasoning—ground cumin, turmeric, red pepper flakes, dried herbs, garlic salt, sea salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so every piece is well coated in that glorious marinade, infusing the dish with those signature tandoori flavors.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Place the marinated chicken and fries inside the basket in a single layer if possible. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to ensure everything cooks evenly and achieves a beautiful crispy texture without drying out the chicken.
Step 4: Whip Up the Garlic Yoghurt Dip
While the chicken and fries cook, prepare the dip. In a small bowl, combine natural yoghurt with minced garlic, garlic granules, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir well to blend the fresh, zesty garlic with the creamy yoghurt—a perfect counterbalance to the spice-laden chicken bowl.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
On a serving plate, arrange a bed of crisp baby gem lettuce and warm naan bread. Layer on your cooked tandoori chicken and sweet potato fries, then add a generous dollop of the garlic yoghurt dip. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley and a squeeze of lime to finish the dish with a burst of color and brightness.
How to Serve Tandoori Chicken Bowl with Garlic Yoghurt Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is key here. Chopped parsley scattered over the bowl adds an irresistible herbal note and vibrant green color. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add a zesty citrus tang that cuts through the richness and enhances the spices beautifully. Toasted sesame seeds also bring a lovely nutty crunch if you want to elevate it a touch.
Side Dishes
This bowl is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving with simple cucumber raita, a fresh tomato and cucumber salad, or even some lightly spiced basmati rice. Each of these options complements the bold flavors without overpowering the star players in your Tandoori Chicken Bowl with Garlic Yoghurt Dip Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Serve the chicken and fries on a platter side-by-side with small bowls of the garlic yoghurt dip, naan, and salad, allowing guests to build their own servings. For a casual and colorful lunch, layer the components inside wraps or pita pockets, adding your garlic yoghurt dip as a cool sauce. This recipe’s versatility makes it perfect for picnics, casual dinners, or impressive weekday meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover chicken strips and sweet potato fries fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store your garlic yoghurt dip separately to maintain its cool and creamy texture. This way, everything stays delicious and ready to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, place the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to one month. The garlic yoghurt dip is best made fresh, so plan to whip that up just before serving to retain its freshness and punch.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken and sweet potatoes in the air fryer or oven at 180°C (356°F) for 5 to 7 minutes to regain their crispy texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that tasty, slightly crisp bite intact. Once warmed, assemble with fresh ingredients and dip for a meal that tastes just as good as when first prepared.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and richness to the dish. Just cut them into strips and adjust cooking time slightly depending on thickness.
Is an air fryer necessary for this recipe?
Not at all. While the air fryer produces wonderfully crispy results quickly, you can use a conventional oven set to 200°C and bake the chicken and fries on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Can I make the garlic yoghurt dip dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute natural yoghurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yoghurt. The garlic and herbs will keep the dip flavorful and fresh.
What can I substitute for naan bread?
If you don’t have naan, pita bread or warm flatbreads work perfectly too. Even a side of steamed basmati rice is a fantastic option to soak up the delicious flavours.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add mild heat, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the flakes—this recipe is very forgiving and flexible.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Tandoori Chicken Bowl with Garlic Yoghurt Dip Recipe that feels both comforting and exciting in every bite. Its bold spices, the crispy sweetness of sweet potato, and that cool, garlicky dip come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for two or want to impress friends, this recipe promises warmth, color, and heart-warming satisfaction. Dive in, try it soon, and I guarantee it will become one of your go-to favorites for a flavorful, wholesome meal!
Print
Tandoori Chicken Bowl with Garlic Yoghurt Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Tandoori Chicken Bowl featuring succulent spiced chicken strips and crispy sweet potato fries, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Served with fresh baby gem lettuce, warm naan bread, and a tangy garlic yoghurt dip, garnished with fresh parsley and lime for a wholesome, colorful meal perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 sweet potato, cut into fries
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- Olive oil, to taste
- Sea salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- Naan bread, for serving
- Baby gem lettuce, for serving
- Lime, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Garlic Yoghurt Dip
- 2–3 tbsp natural yoghurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the chicken breasts into strips and the sweet potato into fries to ensure even cooking.
- Season Chicken and Sweet Potatoes: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips and sweet potato fries. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with ground cumin, ground turmeric, red pepper flakes, dried mixed herbs, garlic salt, sea salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all pieces are well coated with the spice mixture.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Cook Chicken and Sweet Potatoes: Place the seasoned chicken strips and sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and crispiness.
- Make Garlic Yoghurt Dip: While cooking, combine the natural yoghurt, minced garlic clove, garlic granules, and chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl. Mix well to blend the flavors and set aside.
- Plate the Meal: Arrange baby gem lettuce and warm naan bread on serving plates. Top with the air-fried chicken strips and sweet potato fries, then add a generous spoonful of the garlic yoghurt dip.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the bowl with fresh parsley and a wedge of lime for an extra zesty finish. Optionally, sprinkle some sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while everything is warm, and dive into this nutritious, vibrant, and satisfying Tandoori Chicken Bowl.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the chicken.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted for oven roasting at 200°C (392°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat natural yoghurt for the dip.
- Fresh lime juice squeezed over the chicken before serving enhances the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
