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Best Friend's Birthday Dinner

Recipe from an Instagram reelAdded 25 February 2026.

45 minutes to prep, 1 hour to cook. A hearty and flavorful dinner recipe featuring marinated charred chicken, smoked eggplant, carrots, and courgette, served with a side of grain cooked in chicken stock and a dollop of yogurt. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in with friends.

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Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (400°F).

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients and add the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

  3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and char it on the grill or in a skillet for 5-7 minutes per side.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: charred chicken. Cook on the grill or in the skillet until marked and cooked through.

  4. Smoke the eggplant over low heat for 30 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is tender.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: tender smoked eggplant. The charred skin and softened flesh indicate it is ready to serve.

  5. Smoke the carrots and courgette for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly charred.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: lightly charred vegetables. Smoke until the carrots and courgette are tender.

  6. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the grain and cook until it is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

  7. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and a pinch of cinnamon.

  8. To serve, slice the charred chicken and serve with the smoked eggplant, carrots, and courgette, alongside the grain cooked in chicken stock and a dollop of yogurt.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: yogurt with cinnamon. Serve alongside the chicken, vegetables and grain.

  9. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

  10. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

  11. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips while you cook

Marinate Ahead
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Rest Before Serving
Let the finished dish rest for 10 minutes before plating.
Watch Grain Absorption
Cook the grain until the liquid is fully absorbed, as noted in the saucepan step.
Smoke Vegetables Until Tender
Smoke the eggplant for 30 minutes and the carrots and courgette for 20‑25 minutes until tender and lightly charred.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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Where this recipe comes from.

The recipe comes from the original post. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

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