Sunday 27 February 2011

Grilled chicken and veggies..lazy lunch for two

I decided not to do anything today, especially after yesterdays get together with a bunch of friends...a whole day spent drinking and eating. To add to that the weather was horrid. Ideally I would have preferred to not cook anything at all, but sadly that's just a distant dream. So here I was on a Sunday morning in front of the comp completing some research work I was doing for an article and my husband decides to vacuum. Damn the hoover makes a hell of a lot of noise. Thanks to Ro, and my rumbling tummy...I had to get off my lazy ass and make lunch. Thawed the chicken thinking I'd make yet another boring chicken curry and then decided..nah I'm just gonna put it into the oven and not waste my time sauteing and stirring.

I also had some asparagus lying around (seriously who has that sorta veggies lying around without any purpose?) and the good ol potato always comes to my rescue. So did a fast stir fry and voila lunch was ready at the exact time Ro was done with his vacuuming and a delicious one at that (if i may add).
I have a standard recipe I depend on when I want to grill or bake chicken and its always turned out awesome for me. I didn't do that elaborate a process this time, just the basic, but turned out good nonetheless. The chicken pieces I had with me were the whole leg part and since I was too lazy to cut it up into smaller portions, I decided to grill them as it is. No regrets there, except I now have one whole piece which I obviously can put to better use; perhaps in a sandwich or in my Caesar salad.

Grilled chicken
Chicken- 600 to 700gms or so approx. (I used 2 whole leg pieces, around 680 gms)

To marinate:
Kashmiri chilli powder- 2 tsps
Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder- 3 tsp
Garam masala- 1/4 tsp
Cumin powder- 1/4 tsp
Any meat masala- 1/2 tsp (optional)
Garlic paste- 1 tbsp
Ginger paste- 1 tbsp
Lime juice- a dash
Salt- to taste
Oil- enough to brush
Clean and skin the chicken and make deep gashes on the flesh.
Make a paste with all the ingredients in the 'to marinate' section, adding water if required (I didn't need to) and generously rub on the chicken pieces on both sides. Keep aside for at least an hour (nope, I didn't do that..grin!)
Preheat the grill to 200C and line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
Place the chicken pieces aside each other (leaving enough space) and using a basting brush oil the chicken on the side facing up.
Grill for 18 minutes.
Take it out of the oven, flip the chicken, oil that side and put it back in for another 18 minutes. Check if its done. If its a little too dry, baste it with some more oil.
I cooked it on either sides for a further 10 more minutes and was good to go.
To check if its cooked, use a fork and knife and cut all the way to the bone and if juices run clear its cooked, or check to see its not all red inside.
Serve hot with veggie of your choice or as a starter, if making with boneless pieces.

Veggie platter
Asparagus- 200gms
Baby potatoes- 4 or 5, cleaned and cut into big chunks
Onion- 1 small, roughly chopped
Garlic- 3 pods, crushed
Salt and pepper- to season
Oil- 1/2 tbsp

Heat oil in a frying pan and  toss in the onion, garlic, asparagus and potato together.
Season with enough salt and freshly ground black pepper and give it a strong stir.
Close with a lid and cook on medium low till just cooked, not forgetting to stir in between.
Notes: I ended up over cooking the asparagus a bit, so it wasn't still crunchy. 
Use any veggie of you choice here..even spinach would be a good idea.
You can spice it up with anything you want..say, oyster sauce.

34 comments:

Umm Mymoonah said...

Oh My! Is this a lazy lunch, this is something perfect for a weekend. Perfectly grilled chicken looks too tempting.

Binys Recipes said...

dat looks awesome...anyone will want to join u dear

Cool Lassi(e) said...

I am drooling looking at them. What a perfect platter for a lazy afternoon lunch!

divya said...

Mouthwatering here...simply superb and tempting platter...

Asha said...

Oh... that looks delicious... I will call that an extravagant lunch!!!!!!!

Vimitha Durai said...

Mouth watering grilled chicken... Perfect for lunch of two...

Soma said...

This sounds like a might lavish "lazy" lunch ! Love the texture of the chicken & the veggie platter.

Priyanka said...

I loved it.....awesome dish :)

Reva said...

Delicious combo... Doesn't look like a "Lazy lunch".... but a 5* preparation..
Reva

Rumana Rawat said...

What lovely combo, i want to finish this plate:)

Priya Suresh said...

Am hungry just looking at them...looks fabulous,cant say its a lazy lunch, for me its a royal lunch:)..

Jaisy James said...

wow looks so superb dear yummy

Kulsum@JourneyKitchen said...

This is my go to weekend meal too. Quick and easy and always delicious. Don't always use asparagus though, its too darm expensive here !

Reshmi said...

u feel itz a lazy lunch..for me itz the main course for a heavy lunch...itz really good to hve grilled with veggies...

Suja Manoj said...

Oh my this looks perfect lunch..drooling here.

Oriyarasoi said...

Delicious grilled chicken!!!! And the veggies are a wholesome addition!!

Unknown said...

Truely mouth watering click...very tempting n inviting

Memória said...

Amazing-looking dishes

Torviewtoronto said...

delicious combination tandoori chicken is a favourite at home looks fabulous
love the new profile picture

Suji said...

Truly tempting, looks perfect Nisha :-)

Namitha said...

I wouldn't call this a lazy lunch ;-) instead a perfect lunch
Asparagus and potatoes sound yumm together

Tanvi@Sinfully Spicy said...

Thats a perfect brunch combo and I m amazed at how easy both dishes are.

Swathi said...

Looks perfect Nisha. awesome.

Satrupa said...

You call it a lazy lunch ... I call it a perfect one !! Delicious !!

Cheers,
Satrupa

http://satrupa-foodforthought.blogspot.com

Vineetha Sush said...

I too marinate chicken in almost the same masala but always bake it ,for a change I will grill it next time.

schmetterlingwords said...

Ooopss... I'm damn hungry now and I guess, it was a bad idea to look at your blog now.. :-( I'm drooling drooling... The veggie bowl is even more inviting... :-)

Sushma Mallya said...

Lovely clicks...delicious!

Monet said...

I had a quiet and lazy Saturday too, but I certainly didn't eat as well as you did. This looks so good. Thanks for sharing, sweet friend. I hope you have a great Wednesday. Happy Hump Day!

aipi said...

I loved the veggie platter..have bookmarked your potato- asparagus fry :)


US Masala

Kankana said...

you said you were lazy to cook! That's a feast to me.. chicken legs .. mmm mmm mmm. But i know what you mean .. rub the masala and put in the oven .. no huss no fuss ! i love these kind of dish when you are lazy to stand and saute !

Renee said...

OMG! these look delicious. I wish when I was lazy, I would make something as good as this, instead of ordering from out! I'm going to try this soon :)

Unknown said...

Am drooling over your super-tempting clicks..Both the dishes look amazing!!

Unknown said...

That is a yummy plate of veggies - love Asparagus! first hop to your blog! Lovely post and I be 215 :)

Unknown said...

Never mind - looks like I am already signed up on your blog!