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For an inspired weeknight meal, make this Indian-inspired spread


Baked chicken and rice is one of my staple weeknight meals. It’s easy to throw together and gives me great leftovers to use later in the week. As my kids got older and their tastes got more adventurous, I started changing up the flavor profile of my go-to dish. I’d add in some chili powder, garlic, cumin and lime to give my baked chicken a Mexican twist, or marinate the chicken in garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and Greek herbs for some Mediterranean flair. My family’s favorite version of baked chicken and rice, though, is tandoori-style chicken and Indian-style rice pilaf. The warm spices, zippy red pepper, tangy yogurt and bright lemon transform ordinary baked chicken into a juicy and delicious chicken dish with the flavors of Indian cuisine. This is a minimal-effort meal packed with goodness. It’ll be a hit any night of the week.

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On the menu

chicken on a plate

Tandoori-style Chicken


Mango and Peach Chutney


Rice pilaf in pot on the table

Indian-style Rice Pilaf


This article was originally published in the August 2023 issue of 225 magazine.

Tracey Koch
Tracey Koch has been creating recipes, instructing cooking classes for both kids and adults, and writing food columns in the Baton Rouge area for over 25 years. She began writing her favorite column, “Dining In,” back in 2013. Find it featured in the Taste section of 225 Magazine every month. When she is not in the kitchen developing and testing new recipes, she is writing stories for her children’s book series about a little goose from Toulouse.