Looking to spice up your dinner routine? Tandoori Chicken is the perfect dish to bring bold flavors to your table. This Indian-inspired dish is packed with aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, flavorful experience that’s hard to resist. Pair it with basmati rice or naan, and you’ve got a meal that’s both exotic and comforting.
Tandoori Chicken
Why Tandoori Chicken?
Tandoori chicken is traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a clay oven), but you can achieve similar results using a grill or oven. Marinated in yogurt and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, the chicken is not only flavorful but also incredibly juicy and tender. The vibrant color, thanks to turmeric and paprika, makes it visually appealing, while the spices deliver a depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
Ingredient Notes:
- Skinless chicken (bone-in): The main protein, providing flavorful, juicy meat. Bone-in pieces retain moisture during cooking and absorb the marinade deeply.
- Hung curd or Greek yogurt: Acts as the base for the marinade, tenderizing the chicken while adding creaminess and tang. The acidity in the yogurt helps break down the meat for a tender texture.
- Mustard oil: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor typical in tandoori dishes, helping to enhance the spices and create depth in the marinade.
- Ginger garlic paste: A key aromatic blend that adds bold, savory, and slightly spicy notes to the marinade, infusing the chicken with flavor.
- Tandoori masala powder: A spice blend that provides the characteristic smoky and robust flavor of tandoori chicken. It typically includes spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika.
- Kashmiri red chili powder: Adds vibrant red color to the dish and provides a mild heat, making the chicken visually appealing while contributing a subtle spice.
- Turmeric powder: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and a golden-yellow color, commonly used in Indian cuisine.
- Lemon juice: Adds acidity, balancing the richness of the yogurt and oil while helping to tenderize the chicken and enhance the flavor of the spices.
Serving Suggestions
- Basmati Rice: The classic way to serve Tandoori Chicken is with fragrant basmati rice. The fluffy, aromatic rice balances the spice of the chicken, creating a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
- Naan Bread: For a more traditional experience, serve the Tandoori Chicken with warm naan. This soft, pillowy bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from the chicken.
- Mint Chutney or Raita: A cooling side like mint chutney or raita (a yogurt-based condiment) can help tame the heat of the spices, adding a refreshing contrast to the dish.
Tips for Perfect Tandoori Chicken
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The key to achieving the signature flavor of Tandoori Chicken is letting the meat marinate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least a few hours, but overnight is best for deep, rich flavors.
- Use a Grill for Authentic Smokiness: If you have a grill, use it! The high heat gives the chicken a nice char and a smoky flavor, which is essential for that authentic Tandoori taste.
- Broil for Crispiness: If using an oven, finish off the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes. This helps achieve a slightly crispy exterior, similar to the effect of a tandoor oven.
A Flavor-Packed Meal to Excite Your Taste Buds
Tandoori Chicken is not only easy to make but also offers a beautiful combination of spicy, smoky, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something new for a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to please. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a culinary trip to India from the comfort of your kitchen.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Curry
Teriyaki Chicken
Tandoori Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Skinless chicken bone-in cut about 3-inch pieces
- 1 – 1/4 Cups Hung curd or greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Mustard Oil
- 3 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 4 tbsp Tandoori Masala Powder Good Quality
- 2 tbsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
- 1 tbsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tbsp Salt to taste (According to taste)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Take all the ingredients except chicken in a clean dry bowl and mix well.
- After that, add the chicken pieces and coat well with the marinade.
- Cover and enable marinated chicken to rest in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375 ft.
- Organise the chicken pieces on a wire rack. Place the wire rack on the baking tray and bake for about 40 minutes.
- Take the chicken pieces out for the first 20 minutes and turn them upside down and bake for the rest of the time for 20 minutes.
- Broil for an extra 5 minutes to get a charred look. Enjoy it!
Notes
- Hung curd or any thick yogurt is a must in this recipe, else the chicken pieces will not be well marinated and will taste soft.
- Don't use the best quality tandoori masala you may afford, it definitely makes all the difference.
- Marinating the night is a must. I leave it to marinate for 24hrs, occasionally.
- To get a soft and juicy tandoori chicken, always use chicken on the bones.
never use breasts or boneless chicken pieces for this recipe, you'll end up with dry tandoori chicken pieces. - To obtain an authentic tandoori taste, do not add another oil to the mustard oil.
- As long as you use a wire rack for baking, this will prevent your chicken pieces from getting soggy and sweaty.
- To get a charred look, broil it to the top for about 5 minutes. Please don't skip this step.
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Tandoori Chicken