Go Back Download PDF
–+ servings
Print Join to Save Recipe

Easy Butter Chicken Abundance Bowl with Brown Rice, Fresh Salad & Greek Yoghurt Drizzle

Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Keyword Chicken
Dietary Easy
Protein Chicken
Category Salad
Difficulty Easy
Member Free
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large frying pan or air fryer
  • Saucepan
  • Chopping Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

Protein

  • 500 g chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 Simply Wholesome Pantry Butter Chicken marinade sachet
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Fibre

  • 1.75 cups brown rice uncooked

Fresh

  • 1 cucumber large, cut into chunky half moons
  • 2 tomatoes large, chopped
  • 1/4 red onion finely sliced
  • 1/4 cup mint fresh, chopped
  • 2/3 cup cashews roughly chopped
  • 1/2 lemon juiced

Drizzle

  • 1 cup greek yoghurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • Marinate and cook the chicken: Toss chicken pieces with the butter chicken marinade sachet until well coated.
    500 g chicken breast, 1 Simply Wholesome Pantry Butter Chicken marinade sachet
  • Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and caramelised.
    1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Air fryer: Preheat to 180°C. Lightly spray air fryer basket, add chicken, and cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
  • Cook the brown rice: Rinse rice under cold water. Combine with 3.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
    1.75 cups brown rice
  • Make the fresh salad: In a bowl, mix cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, mint, cashews, lemon juice, and salt. Toss well.
    1 cucumber, 2 tomatoes, 1/4 red onion, 1/4 cup mint, 2/3 cup cashews, 1/2 lemon
  • Prepare the yoghurt drizzle: Mix Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
    1 cup greek yoghurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Assemble the bowls: Divide brown rice between 4 bowls. Top with butter chicken, a scoop of salad, and a generous drizzle of yoghurt sauce. Garnish with extra mint or cashews if desired.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips for Beginners

  • Stir the chicken occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Use a timer for the rice and chicken to avoid overcooking.
  • Slice the salad ingredients roughly for a rustic feel – no need for perfect cuts.
  • Toast cashews briefly in a dry pan for extra flavour.

 

Serving Suggestions

  • Add extra yoghurt drizzle for a creamier bowl.
  • Serve with warm naan or pita bread on the side.
  • Sprinkle with a pinch of chilli flakes for heat.
  • Swap the salad for roasted vegetables in cooler months.

 

Make-Ahead or Prepare-Ahead Guidance

  • Cook rice in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Marinate chicken the night before for extra flavour.
  • Chop salad ingredients and store separately until ready to serve.

 

Freezer Friendly

The marinated uncooked chicken and cooked brown rice can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. Fresh salad and yoghurt drizzle are best made fresh.

 

Storage Advice

  • Fridge: Store rice, chicken, salad, and yoghurt separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat chicken and rice before serving; enjoy salad and drizzle fresh.

 

Meal Prep Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken and store in the fridge or freeze in portions.
  2. Cook rice ahead and portion into containers.
  3. Chop salad ingredients and store separately.
  4. Prepare yoghurt drizzle fresh or up to 1 day ahead.
  5. Assemble when ready to serve, adding drizzle and garnishes last.

 

Substitutions

Grains:
  • Swap brown rice for quinoa, couscous, or basmati rice.
Protein:
  • Use chicken thigh or tofu as alternatives.
Nuts:
  • Replace cashews with roasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or omit for nut-free.
Dressing:
  • Add a tablespoon of tahini to the yoghurt for extra creaminess.

 

Helpful Hints

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavour.
  • Toast nuts to elevate the crunch.
  • Add fresh chilli for extra spice.
  • Use store-bought slaw as a quick salad shortcut.
 

FAQs

  1. Can I use another marinade?
     Yes – tandoori, tikka, or mild curry marinades work well.
  2. Is this gluten-free?
     Yes – if using a gluten-free marinade sachet and confirming all labels.
  3. Can I make it dairy-free?
     Yes – swap Greek yoghurt for coconut yoghurt or a dairy-free alternative.
  4. What can I use instead of cashews?
     Toasted seeds, slivered almonds, or simply leave them out.

 

Related Recipes on Wholesome by Sarah