Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of India with this easy-to-make Tandoori Chicken recipe. Marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, this dish promises tender, juicy chicken with a smoky aroma that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- Bone-in, skinless chicken pieces
- Thick plain yogurt
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Turmeric powder
- Kashmiri chili powder
- Cumin powder
- Coriander powder
- Garam masala
- Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Mustard oil (optional but recommended)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cleaning your bone-in, skinless chicken pieces thoroughly. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Now, using a sharp knife, make 2-3 deep scores or slits on each piece of chicken.
- First Marinade (Optional but Recommended for Deep Flavor): In a large bowl, combine the scored chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of Kashmiri chili powder. Rub this mixture all over the chicken and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Main Marinade: In a separate large bowl, combine the thick plain yogurt, the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1.5 teaspoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of Kashmiri chili powder, and the optional 1 tablespoon of mustard oil. If using, crush 1 teaspoon of Kasuri Methi between your palms and add it to the mixture.
- Second Marinade: Add the chicken from the first marinade directly into the main yogurt marinade. Use your hands to thoroughly coat each piece of chicken, making sure the marinade seeps into all the scores. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Marination Time: Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight (12-24 hours).
- Cooking Your Tandoori Chicken (Oven Method): Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically 220°C (425°F) or even 250°C (475°F). Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and line the baking sheet with foil.
- Arrange: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Broil/Grill: Flip the chicken pieces. Increase the oven temperature to the broiler (grill) setting. Broil for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Cooking Your Tandoori Chicken (Grill Method): Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot grill and grill for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the Tandoori Chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking or Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: The longer you marinate, the better your Tandoori Chicken will taste. Use high heat to achieve a smoky, slightly charred exterior, and ensure there's enough space between each chicken piece when cooking.