Chicken breast dinner ideas with Indian flavors: a light and delicious meal

Chicken breast is a lean option that’s perfect for dinner, especially in Indian kitchens that celebrate bold spices and layered flavours. Its mild taste absorbs seasonings beautifully, making it ideal for preparing delicious meals without excess oil or heaviness.

5 delicious and healthy Indian-style chicken breast dinners

Grilled chicken breast in tandoori style

Tandoori chicken breast imparts a smoky flavor without a heavy gravy. Marinated in yoghurt and spices, it cooks quickly and stays tender, making dinner look bold and balanced.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• Chicken breast – 2 pieces (about 300 g)
• Thick curd – half a cup
• Ginger and garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
• Red chilli powder – ½ teaspoon
• Turmeric – ¼ teaspoon
• Garam masala – ½ tsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – as desired

directions

1. Mix the yoghurt, spices, lemon juice and salt.
2. Cover the chicken evenly and marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Grill or bake at 200°C for 18-20 minutes.
4. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Served with salad.

Chicken breast with masala vegetables

This light chicken breast masala uses minimal oil and adds extra vegetables for fiber and bulk. Lean protein combines with fresh spices and colorful veggies, creating a balanced dinner that feels filling without being heavy.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• Chicken breast (cubes) – 300 g
• Onions (thinly sliced) – half a cup
• Pepper (cut into slices) – half a cup
• Zucchini (cut into slices) – half a cup
• Ginger and garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
• Cumin powder – ½ teaspoon
• Coriander powder – ½ teaspoon
• Turmeric – ¼ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – as desired

directions

1. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a non-stick frying pan.
2. Add ginger and garlic paste and fry slightly.
3. Add the chicken cubes and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
4. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and salt.
5. Add onions, peppers and zucchini.
6. Sauté over high heat for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are still slightly crispy.
7. Turn off the heat and add lemon juice.
8. Mix well and serve hot.

Chicken breast with creamy spinach

Spinach adds freshness and nutrients to tender chicken breast. This light gravy goes well with roti or brown rice, making for a satisfying dinner without being heavy.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• Chicken breast – 300 g
• Spinach (blanched and blended) – 1 cup
• Ginger and garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds – ½ teaspoon
• Cream – 2 tablespoons (optional)
• Oil – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – as desired

directions

1. Heat the oil and add the cumin seeds.
2. Add ginger and garlic paste and fry.
3. Add the chicken pieces and partially cook.
4. Pour the spinach puree and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
5. Add cream and salt.
6. Cook until done and serve.

Chicken breast with lemon and pepper

Lemon Pepper Chicken keeps dinner simple and refreshing. Light seasoning highlights the natural flavor of the chicken breast while keeping the meal light.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• Chicken breast – 2 pieces (300 g)
• Lemon juice – 1½ tablespoons
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – as desired

directions

1. Season the chicken with lemon, pepper, oil, and salt.
2. Rest for 20 minutes.
3. Fry over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side.
4. Rest before cutting.
5. Serve warm.

Curried chicken breast (light gravy)

This light chicken curry uses tomato broth to keep dinner comforting and balanced. Lean breast cuts cook quickly and absorb spices beautifully.

Ingredients (serves 3)

• Chicken breast (cubes) – 400 g
• Tomato puree – 1 cup
• Onions (finely chopped) – half a cup
• Turmeric – ¼ teaspoon
• Garam masala – ½ tsp
• Oil – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – as desired
• Water – 1 cup

directions

1. Heat the oil and fry the onions until they soften.
2. Add tomato paste and spices.
3. Add the chicken cubes and mix the ingredients well.
4. Pour water and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
5. Cook until done and serve.

Frequently asked questions

1. Are chicken breasts healthier than other cuts of chicken?

Chicken breast is smaller and contains less fat compared to thighs or drumsticks. It contains a high percentage of protein, which makes it suitable for balanced and light meals.