Crispy Chicken Tikka Bowls with Mint Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Chicken Tikka Bowls with Mint Sauce are a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. Combining tender, saucy chicken with fresh quinoa, tangy slaw, and a refreshing mint sauce creates a vibrant bowl full of texture and taste.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces of crispy breaded chicken (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup tikka masala sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cucumber, sliced or diced
• Pickled red onion
• 2 cups shredded coleslaw
• 3 tablespoons mayo
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup mint leaves
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup mayo or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Juice of a lime
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 hunk of jalapeño
• Water to thin the sauce as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the chicken according to the package directions. Once cooked, brush the chicken with tikka masala sauce and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to set the flavors.
2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, prepare the other elements: mix the shredded coleslaw with mayo, vinegar, and salt; slice or dice the cucumber; and set aside the pickled red onions.
3. Step 3: To make the mint sauce, blend or pulse the mint leaves, cilantro, mayo or Greek yogurt, salt, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, and a bit of water in a food processor until smooth but still slightly textured. Adjust water to reach desired consistency.
4. Step 4: Assemble your bowls by layering cooked quinoa, slaw, cucumbers, and pickled red onions. Top with the crispy chicken and drizzle with the mint sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the blend of crispy, spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add toasted nuts like cashews or almonds to the bowl.
• Swap quinoa with basmati rice or couscous for a different grain base.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeño from the mint sauce and add fresh cucumber for cooling effect.
• Use plain Greek yogurt in the mint sauce for a tangier, lighter option instead of mayo.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven to retain crispiness, and serve with fresh mint sauce and slaw for best flavor. Avoid mixing all ingredients before storing to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the chicken from scratch?

Yes, you can bread and fry or bake chicken pieces at home before tossing them with the tikka masala sauce for a homemade touch.

How spicy is the dish?

The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by controlling the amount of jalapeño in the mint sauce or by choosing a mild tikka masala sauce.

Crispy Chicken Tikka Bowls with Mint Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

These Crispy Chicken Tikka Bowls are a delicious and colorful meal that combines crispy breaded chicken coated in flavorful tikka masala sauce served over fluffy quinoa. The bowl is complemented with fresh cucumber, tangy pickled red onions, crunchy homemade coleslaw, and a refreshing homemade mint sauce that adds brightness and creaminess. This dish balances savory, spicy, and cool elements for a satisfying and wholesome meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Indian Fusion

Ingredients

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Chicken and Sauce

• 4 pieces of crispy breaded chicken (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup tikka masala sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Grains

• 3 cups cooked quinoa

Vegetables & Pickles

• 1 cucumber, sliced or diced
• Pickled red onion (quantity as desired)
• 2 cups shredded coleslaw

Coleslaw Dressing

• 3 tablespoons mayo
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Mint Sauce

• 1/4 cup mint leaves
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup mayo or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 hunk of jalapeño (adjust to taste)
• Water, as needed to thin the sauce

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven according to the crispy chicken package instructions or your homemade recipe. Cook the breaded chicken pieces until crispy and heated through. Remove from oven, brush generously with the tikka masala sauce, then return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the sauce set and flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Sides: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the other elements of the bowl. Mix the shredded coleslaw with mayo, vinegar, and salt to make a creamy slaw. Slice or dice the cucumber as desired. Set aside your pickled red onions.
3. Make the Mint Sauce: Combine mint leaves, cilantro leaves, mayo or Greek yogurt, salt, lime juice, garlic, and jalapeño in a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth but still slightly textured. Add water a little at a time to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa into serving bowls. Top with prepared coleslaw, sliced cucumber, and pickled red onions. Place the crispy tikka chicken pieces on top and drizzle generously with the mint sauce. Serve immediately for a warm and fresh meal experience.

Notes

• You can make your own crispy breaded chicken by coating chicken breasts in flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs before baking or frying.
• For a healthier twist, swap mayo for plain Greek yogurt in both the slaw dressing and mint sauce.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the mint sauce according to your spice preference.
• Pickled red onions can be quick-pickled by soaking thinly sliced onions in vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
• This bowl can be served cold or warm, though the chicken is best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Keywords: crispy chicken tikka, tikka masala, quinoa bowl, mint sauce, Indian inspired bowls, easy dinner, weeknight meals, healthy bowls