This Tikka Masala shortcut meal uses a few convenience items to make for an easy weeknight meal that can even double as a way to use up leftovers! Quinoa, topped with crispy tikka masala chicken and finished with crunchy cucumber, tangy pickled onions, creamy slaw, and an cilantro-lime crema.
WHAT’S NEW?
This weekend flew by! The girls had their last swim team practice for the season and we grabbed Culver’s and enjoyed dinner at a brewery with some live music and games with the girls. A fun little Family Friday! Saturday morning, Piper had a soccer game and we more or less had nothing else going on until date night. I got in a 60 minute Peloton ride and bummed around much of the afternoon. It was glorious!
Sunday went by in a blur and it’s 10:24pm and my hockey game will be starting in just under an hour from now. I’ve already decided that with a clear-of-meetings-and-patients Monday morning, I’ll be not setting an alarm and putting Mark in charge of 2 little ladies and their crazy locks that require incredible efforts each and every day. Wish him luck. The big news of the day was securing a live-in dog sitter for our old, blind, deaf bulldog, Harlie, for when we take the girls on a trip coming up. It sounds like we’ll be able to relax and enjoying knowing she’s in good hands!
ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE
- A love for Indian flavors. I’ve made many renditions of tikka masala over the years. Some are better than others, but all take a bit of time. More time than I’d spend on a weeknight these days, that’s for sure. And yet, the aromatic flavor and rich tikka masala sauce is something we crave. Use a convenience item like jarred sauce, eliminates the need to have on hand some less commonly stocked ingredients such as garam masala and other aromatic spices. I love this nutritious version of our favorite Indian dish.
- Kids! Tikka masala is mild and completely kid-friendly. Transform a classic kid favorite — chicken fingers! — into a masterpiece the whole family will love. Leave out components that the kids may not love, but the quinoa and chicken should be a slam dunk!
- Weeknight Warriors: A single baking sheet, simple cooking instructions and simple ingredients, basic meal prep, and ta-da: healthy chicken tikka masala bowls!
KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Chicken: To make this meal even a bit healthier, swap in about 1 pound of hot shredded rotisserie chicken breast in lieu of chicken tenders. Both options are delicious and quick!
- Tikka Masala sauce: If you peruse the options in the ethnic foods aisle of your local grocer, you’re likely to find several options that would work great in this recipe. Most Indian sauces have a base of coconut milk or fresh tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Vegetarian: Use tofu, tempeh, or beans in lieu of chicken, if you prefer. Cook or heat using your preferred cooking method and toss with the sauce before assembling the bowls.
- Quinoa: I used quinoa for the additional protein and reduction in carbohydrate, however basmati rice or brown rice are great alternatives.
NUTRITIONAL MERITS
- Power Bowls: All-in-one meals that feature a whole grain or nutritious base, serving up ample protein and colorful vegetables that serves up not only delicious dinners, but a fun way to serve up a nutritious meal.
- Quinoa is a complete protein meaning it has all 9 essential amino acids. Foods that contain all the essential amino acids are considered “complete” proteins.
VARIATIONS, TIPS, & STORAGE
- This meal is complete as-is, however you can serve with your choice of side. I highly recommend a bit of naan to sop up the sauce and crema!
- Store each component separately, reheating and assembling
- I highly recommend prepping what you can ahead of time. For kids or guests, or even your choosy eaters, serve the components separately for a build-your-bowl option so that everyone can get more, less, or none of what they want!
Chicken Tikka Masala Quinoa Bowls with Cilantro-Lime Crema
This Tikka Masala shortcut meal uses a few convenience items to make for an easy weeknight meal that can even double as a way to use up leftovers! Quinoa, topped with crispy tikka masala chicken and finished with crunchy cucumber, tangy pickled onions, creamy slaw, and an cilantro-lime crema.
Ingredients
Bowls:
- 7 frozen chicken tenders
- 1 1/4 cups dry quinoa
- 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cabbage slaw mix
- 1 cup pre-made/jarred tikka masala sauce
- 1/2 cucumber, cut into half-moons
- 1/4 cup pickled red onion
Cilantro-Lime Crema:
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 jalapeno (seeds and membrane removed for less heat)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- juice of a lime
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
- Cook or reheat chicken tenders according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, bring quinoa and 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, stir, and cover with a lid. Simmer quinoa for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside for 10 minutes.
- While the quinoa and chicken cook, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper in a medium bowl; whisk until combined. Add the cabbage and mix until evenly coated. Set aside to allow flavors to blend.
- Prep the cilantro cream sauce by pulsing together all ingredients in a mini food prep or food processor until smooth, adding a few teaspoons at a time of cold water to thin to a desired consistency.
- Chop the hot baked chicken tenders and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with the tikka masala sauce.
- Serve quinoa in each of 4 bowls, topped with 1/4 of the chicken, slaw, cucumber, and 1 tablespoon of pickled onions.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1/4 recipeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 520Total Fat: 21.5gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 984mgCarbohydrates: 62.5gFiber: 6.8gSugar: 7.5gProtein: 24.8g
Big fan of “bowls” for supper? You’re not alone! 😉
- 30 Minute Greek Shrimp and Grain Bowls
- BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls
- Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Spicy Thai Chicken and Brown Rice Bowls
- Thai Tofu-Veggie Bowls
- Bulgogi Beef Bowls
- Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bowls
- Spicy Fish Taco Bowls with Mango Pico
- Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Broccoli Buddah Bowls
- Egg Roll-in-a-Bowl
Weekly Menu: February 26th – March 2nd
- Sunday: Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder
- Monday: wedge salads with shrimp burgers
- Tuesday: breakfast for dinner
- Wednesday: burgers with sweet potato fries
- Thursday: Nicole out / leftovers
Be well,
