Tandoori chicken bowls: A delicious and healthy recipe
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 30 Oct 2025
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Tandoori Chicken Bowls are a vibrant and satisfying high-protein dish that beautifully merges the bold flavours of Indian cuisine with wholesome ingredients. Marinated in a tangy mixture of Greek yogurt, spices, and lime juice, the chicken absorbs the fragrant notes of paprika and coriander, resulting in tender pieces that are both succulent and full of flavour. The addition of roasted butternut squash adds a natural sweetness and complements the dish perfectly, making it a delightful choice for any meal.
Ideal for a nourishing dinner or a hearty lunch, these bowls are not only easy to prepare but also packed with essential nutrients. Serve them over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with fresh coriander and spring onions, for a balanced and satisfying meal that supports an active lifestyle.
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Ingredients for Tandoori chicken bowls
120 g plain Greek yogurt, full-fat
10 ml tomato paste
4 g paprika
5 ml ground coriander
30 g kosher salt, divided
675 g skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 5 cm pieces
65 ml grapeseed oil or white vegetable fat, divided
900 g butternut squash, peeled, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
6 spring onions, thinly sliced
90 ml fresh lime juice
30 g finely chopped peeled ginger, from one 8 cm piece
90 g coriander leaves with tender stems; plus more for serving (optional)
Steamed rice (for serving)
How to make Tandoori chicken bowls
Place oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 230°C (fan) or 240°C (conventional).
In a medium bowl, mix the yoghurt, tomato paste, paprika, coriander, and 2 tsp salt until well combined.
Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
Rub a rimmed baking tray with 1 tbsp oil. Arrange the chicken on the tray, ensuring there is space around each piece.
On another rimmed baking tray, toss the squash with 1 tbsp oil and 1 tsp salt, then spread into a single layer.
Roast the chicken on the upper rack and the squash on the lower rack for 15–17 minutes, tossing the squash halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and starting to char in spots, and the squash is fork-tender and golden brown around the edges.
Meanwhile, purée the scallions, lime juice, ginger, 3 cups of coriander, 3 tbsp water, and the remaining ¼ cup oil with the remaining 2 tsp salt in a blender until smooth.
Divide the rice among bowls. Top with the sauce, chicken, squash, and coriander leaves, if using. Alternatively, serve the chicken, squash, rice, and sauce separately for any picky eaters, or keep the sauce on the side entirely.
Do Ahead:
The chicken can be marinated up to 1 day in advance; cover and chill.
The chicken and squash can be roasted, and the sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead; cover and chill separately.
Reheat the chicken and squash in a 150°C oven before serving.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
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Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
30 Oct 2025 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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