Curried Chicken Over Rice

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Indian

A flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender curried chicken served over rice, perfect for those craving bold spices and comforting textures in a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 clove garlic, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 small can tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 Tbsp. margarine
  • 2 Tbsp. curry powder

Instructions

  1. Saute chicken in 1 tablespoon margarine until brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon margarine, onions, and garlic; sauté until brown.
  3. Add 1/4 cup water, curry powder, and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the remaining water and tomato paste; cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Return chicken to the pan and simmer until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
  6. Serve over cooked rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For optimal flavor, let the chicken marinate in curry powder for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water slightly. You can substitute chicken with turkey for a twist, and feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition. This dish is reminiscent of Indian recipes, so consider adding a touch of ginger for extra warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this curried chicken over steamed basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of naan or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a complete dinner, consider adding a side of Green Beans And Chicken or a simple Cabbage Dish And Chapati to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, covering it to prevent drying out, for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Curried Chicken Over Rice contains roughly 453 calories, with 18g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), potassium (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

453 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18g 36% DV
Total Fat 11.4g 15% DV
Carbs 81.8g 30% DV
Fiber 12.1g 43% DV
Sugar 29.9g 60% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 369mg 16% DV
Potassium 2728.5mg 58% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 172.5mcg 19% DV
Vitamin C 78.2mg 87% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 259.8mg 20% DV
Iron 8.8mg 49% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute boneless chicken breast with thighs or even turkey. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as darker meats may require slightly longer to become tender.

What can I do if the sauce is too thin?

If you find the sauce too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few extra minutes or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the sauce while simmering.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. Cook them in the same way, making sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chickpeas and tofu will require less time to heat through.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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