Imran's Tandoori Chicken Orzo Salad

Ingredients

• 500 g chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
• 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste (minced or paste)
• 0.5 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp tandoori powder
• 0.5 tsp garam masala
• 250 g orzo (cooked according to package instructions)
• 2 cup mixed vegetables (finely chopped (e.g., cucumber, peppers, red onion))
• 0.5 cup fresh coriander (chopped)
• 0.25 cup fresh mint (chopped)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the skinless, boneless chicken thighs with the garlic and ginger paste, turmeric, tandoori powder, and garam masala.

2. 2

   Mix the chicken and spices together thoroughly until the meat is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. 3

   Heat a pan or grill over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until they develop a nice char on the outside and are cooked through, flipping halfway.

4. 4

   While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the chopped mixed vegetables, coriander, and mint.

5. 5

   Drizzle the salad base with lemon juice and olive oil, then mix everything together to combine the flavors.

6. 6

   Slice the charred tandoori chicken and serve it over the prepared orzo salad.

Notes

The author emphasizes that the chicken needs to have a 'char' for the best flavor. You can add more spices or vegetables to the salad as desired.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• salad
• healthy
• tandoori
• chicken
• orzo
• quick-meal
• high-protein