Tandoori chicken is a popular North Indian dish where chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then grilled to perfection. The dish owes its signature smoky flavor to the high heat of a tandoor, a traditional clay oven.
Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken
To recreate this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need:
- Chicken: Bone-in pieces like thighs, drumsticks, or breasts work best.
- Yogurt: Acts as the base for the marinade, tenderizing the meat.
- Spices: A blend of garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chili powder creates the signature flavor.
- Lemon juice: Adds a tangy brightness.
- Ginger and garlic paste: Essential for depth and warmth.
- Food coloring (optional): For the iconic red hue (natural alternatives include beetroot powder).
What is Tandoori Chicken?
Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian chicken dish prepared by roasting chicken marinated in yogurt and spices in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. The dish is popular in many other parts of the world but mainly originated from the Indian subcontinent.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Tandoori Chicken
- Use bone-in chicken: It retains moisture and enhances flavor.
- Smoky finish: For an authentic smoky aroma, place a hot charcoal piece in a small bowl inside the marinated chicken, drizzle with oil, and cover for 5 minutes.
- Avoid overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Delicious Variations
Vegetarian Twist: Marinate paneer or mushrooms in the same spice mix for a vegetarian option.
Tandoori Chicken Wings: Swap larger cuts for wings, perfect as an appetizer.
Tandoori Chicken Tikka: Use boneless chunks and skewer them for bite-sized delights.
How to Serve Tandoori Chicken
- With naan or roti: These Indian flatbreads complement the smoky flavors.
- Accompanied by chutneys: Mint-coriander chutney or tamarind chutney adds a burst of freshness.
- As a main course: Pair with fragrant basmati rice or jeera rice.
- In wraps or salads: Use leftovers to create wraps or toss them into a salad for a fusion twist.
Tandoori Chicken Cooking Methods
The marinated chicken is then placed on skewers and cooked at high heat in a tandoor oven, which is heated with wood or charcoal, which adds that awesome smoky flavor. But you can also make this chicken tandoori in a standard oven, using a rotisserie or spit, or over hot charcoal.
Tandoori Chicken – How long to Cook
As I mentioned above, you can use the oven instead of a charcoal grill, So, when cooking on the oven it usually takes 30-40minutes at 250-300 degrees C.
How to Store Tandoori Chicken
Freezing: Freeze marinated chicken in zip-lock bags for up to 3 months. Defrost and cook fresh.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer for best results.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make tandoori chicken without yogurt?
Yes! Use coconut milk or cashew cream as a substitute for a dairy-free version.
Q: Is tandoori chicken spicy?
While it’s mildly spiced, you can adjust the heat by modifying the chili powder quantity.
Q: Can I use store-bought tandoori masala?
Absolutely! While homemade spice blends offer freshness, pre-made masalas are a convenient alternative.
Q: What gives tandoori chicken its red color?
Traditionally, Kashmiri chili powder or food coloring is used. Natural alternatives like beetroot powder are gaining popularity.
Q: Why is my tandoori chicken dry?
Dry chicken is often a result of overcooking. Ensure proper marination and monitor cooking time.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Tandoori Masala
If you cannot buy the Tandoori Masala or it is not available, no worries follow the step below and make your own Masala with basic ingredients.
- In a dry pan roast peppercorn, green cardamom, cinnamon, brown cardamom, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
- Remove from the pan and let completely cool
- In a mixture or grinder, grind all the roasted spices to a fine powder.
- That’s it your homemade tandoori masala is ready.
Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Tandoori chicken is a popular North Indian dish where chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then grilled to perfection. The dish owes its signature smoky flavor to the high heat of a tandoor, a traditional clay oven.
Ingredients
- Chicken: ¾ kg (1.5 lbs.) thighs or legs, skinless
Marinade:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (hung curd)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper (crushed)
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ tbsp mustard oil
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
For Basting
- 1–2 tbsp mustard oil or melted butter
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, kasuri methi, black pepper, mustard oil, lemon juice, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Pat chicken dry and make deep slits for better marinade absorption. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the prepared marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).
- Preheat: Heat your oven to 470°F (240°C) or 430°F (220°C) for smaller ovens. Line a baking tray with foil, place a wire rack on top, and spray it with oil.
- Bake: Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack and roast for 25-30 minutes, basting with chili oil or melted butter halfway through. Flip the chicken after 12-15 minutes for even cooking.
- Broil: For the final 2-3 minutes, broil to achieve a smoky, charred finish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Brush the drippings or melted butter over the chicken to keep it juicy. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with mint-cilantro chutney, lemon wedges, and onion slices.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 156Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 9mgSodium 834mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 3gSugar 2gProtein 5g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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