Savor the irresistible flavors of our Tandoori Chicken recipe. Juicy chicken marinated in a tantalizing blend of aromatic spices and yogurt cooked to perfection in the oven or on the grill. Delight in the authentic taste of this classic Indian dish with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma. Try this Tandoori Chicken recipe today and experience a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
Follow the Tandoori Chicken Recipe
- 4 chicken drumsticks and 4 chicken thighs or any chicken pieces of your choice
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder for color
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for basting
Instructions
1/ In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, tandoori masala powder, ginger garlic paste lemon juice ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder garam masala powder and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2/ Make a few deep cuts in the chicken pieces to allow the marinade to penetrate. Add the chicken to the marinade and coat each piece well. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
3/ Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.
4/ Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil or on a greased grill rack. If using the oven, bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until it is cooked through and the juices run clear. If grilling cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes per side until it is fully cooked basting with oil occasionally to keep it moist.
5/ Once cooked remove the chicken from the oven or grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lemon wedges.
Serving Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Serve the succulent Tandoori Chicken hot with naan bread rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Tandoori Chicken is best enjoyed with a side of mint chutney or yogurt sauce. It’s a delicious and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.
Tips And Tricks to Make Delicious Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Use chicken with skin: Tandoori Chicken is traditionally made with chicken pieces that have the skin on. The skin helps retain moisture and adds flavor to the dish. However, you can also use skinless chicken if you prefer.
Marinate for a longer time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the spices and yogurt to penetrate the chicken, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat.
Use yogurt for tenderizing: The yogurt in the marinade acts as a tenderizer for the chicken, making it juicy and succulent. Opt for thick, Greek-style yogurt for a creamier texture.
Adjust spice levels to taste: Tandoori Chicken typically has a mild to medium level of spiciness. Adjust the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes in the marinade based on your preference for heat.
Add lemon juice for tanginess: The acidity of lemon juice adds a tangy flavor to the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken further. Freshly squeezed lemon juice works best.
Get the right balance of spices: The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and garam masala is what gives Tandoori Chicken its distinctive flavor. Experiment with the spice ratios to achieve your desired taste.
Preheat the grill or oven: Ensure that your grill or oven is preheated to the recommended temperature before cooking the chicken. This helps seal in the flavors and gives the chicken a nicely charred exterior.
Baste with oil: While cooking, baste the chicken with a little oil to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. This also adds a beautiful sheen to the chicken.
Use a thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that the chicken is safe to eat and juicy.
Rest before serving: Once cooked, let the Tandoori Chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat.
Remember, Tandoori Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or served in wraps, salads, or with rice and naan bread. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this iconic Indian dish!
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for Tandoori Chicken can vary depending on the specific recipe, portion size, and whether it’s made with boneless or bone-in chicken. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (approximately 100 grams) based on a typical preparation of boneless, skinless chicken:
- Calories: Around 150-200 calories per serving
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: About 2-5 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0-1 gram
- Sugars: 1-2 grams (mainly from yogurt)
- Total Fat: Approximately 7-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-3 grams
- Cholesterol: Around 60-70 milligrams
- Sodium: Varies depending on the amount of salt and spices used but can be around 300-600 milligrams.
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and cooking method used for Tandoori Chicken. Additionally, bone-in chicken may have slightly different nutritional values due to the inclusion of bones. If you want more precise nutrition information, it’s best to calculate the values based on the exact recipe and ingredients you use.
