Embark on a culinary journey to India and the Arabian Peninsula with this tantalizing recipe for Tandoori Chicken Legs and Arabian Rice. This vibrant dish combines the fiery, smoky flavors of tandoori-marinated chicken with the fragrant, nutty texture of perfectly cooked Arabian rice. Imagine succulent, tender chicken legs, infused with a rich blend of spices like turmeric, paprika, and ginger, kissed by the heat of the tandoor oven (or your trusty home oven!). The aromatic rice, subtly spiced with cardamom and saffron, provides a delightful counterpoint to the spicy chicken. It's a dish bursting with flavor and texture, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
This complete recipe will guide you through every step, from marinating the chicken to cooking the rice, ensuring a delicious and authentic experience. Ready to create this flavorful feast? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Bowl
- Blender
- Air fryer
- Pan
Ingredients
- Chicken legs
- Salt
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Natural yogurt
- Ginger paste
- Garlic paste
- Black salt
- Garam masala
- Coriander powder
- Cumin powder
- Fenugreek powder
- Black pepper
- Lemongrass powder
- Mango powder
- Kashmir red chili
- Red chili
- Sunflower oil
- Basmati rice
- Bay leaves
- Cumin seeds
- Black lime
- Cardamom powder
- Red chili flakes
- White pepper
- Biryani masala
- Cassia bark
- Brown chicken stock
- Onions
- Pomegranate seeds
- Green chilies
- Mint leaves
- Fresh coriander
- Sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Tandoori Chicken
- Clean chicken legs, add deep cuts at the front and back to aid marinating. Remove excess fat.
- Add salt, vinegar, and lemon juice to the chicken. Mix well and set aside for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices (black salt, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin, fenugreek, black pepper, lemongrass powder, mango powder, Kashmir red chili, red chili, and salt). Mix in sunflower oil.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's fully coated. Marinate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Cook the tandoori chicken in a preheated air fryer at 190°C for 20 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C.
Step 2. Cook the Arabian Rice
- In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions and red chilies until golden brown.
- Add garlic-chili paste, deglaze the pan, and then add the remaining spices (bay leaves, cumin seeds, black lime, cardamom, salt, red chili flakes, white pepper, coriander powder, garam masala, biryani masala, and cassia bark).
- Add brown chicken stock and rice, ensuring the rice isn't broken. Cook until some water remains.
- Add food coloring, cover with a clean cloth and lid, and steam on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
- Fluff the rice and add lemon juice/vinegar and fresh coriander for freshness.
Step 3. Make the Accompanying Sauce
- Blend pomegranate seeds, green chilies, mint leaves, coriander, lemon juice, cumin powder, cumin seeds, sugar, and salt with water until smooth. Mix in yogurt.
Step 4. Serve the Dish
- Serve the tandoori chicken with Arabian rice, pickled onions, mint-coriander-pomegranate sauce, fresh lemon, and fresh coriander.
Read more: Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Sabji: Easy & Delicious Indian Recipe
Tips
- Adding cuts to the chicken helps marinate it better.
- Lemon juice neutralizes bad aromas in the chicken.
- Adjust salt according to taste.
- Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's cooked thoroughly.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbs: 50-60g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe without a tandoor oven?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken legs in a regular oven at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) for similar results. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
2. How far in advance can I marinate the chicken?
The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Ideally, marinate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor penetration.
3. What type of rice is best for Arabian rice?
Basmati rice is the traditional and best choice for Arabian rice, as it produces fluffy, long grains with a delicate aroma.
This Tandoori Chicken Legs with Arabian Rice recipe is a delightful fusion of Indian and Arabian flavors, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices create a feast for the senses, leaving you wanting more. Enjoy this culinary adventure from the comfort of your own kitchen!