Tandoori Chicken: An Irresistible Blend of Spices and Char

Tandoori chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish from the Indian subcontinent, known for its tender, juicy meat, and crispy, charred skin. To make this dish, you marinate chicken in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and food coloring, then cook it in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven. The high heat and smoky environment of the tandoor give the chicken its unique taste. Serve tandoori chicken with a side of mint chutney, lemon wedges, and/or naan bread, or try making it with other meats like lamb or fish for a delicious appetizer or main course.

CategoryDifficultyBeginner

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time50 minsTotal Time1 hr 5 mins

First Marination
 2 Whole Chicken Legs
 Salt (As per Requirement)
 1 tsp Turmeric Powder (1/2 tsp each on Both sides)
 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder (1/2 tsp each on Both sides)
 ¼ Lemon
Second Marination
 6 tbsp Thick Yogurt
 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
 ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
 ½ tsp Garam Masala
 1 tsp Coriander Powder
 1 tsp Cumin Powder
 1 tbsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
 ½ Lemon
 Kasoori Methi Leaves
 Salt (As per requirements)

First Marination (30 mins)
1

In a tray, Place the whole chicken legs with Gashes. Coat the chicken with Salt, Turmeric powder, Chilli Powder, and Lemon on both sides.

2

Marinate the chicken with the first marination for at least 30 mins.

Second Marination(Overnight)
3

In a bowl, Add in Yogurt, Ginger Garlic Paste, Turmeric powder, Garam Masala, Kashmiri Red Chilli powder, Coriander powder, Cumin powder, Lemon, Kasoori Methi leaves, and Salt. Mix all the ingredients well.

4

Pour the masala on the chicken and coat it well on both sides. Marinate the chicken overnight.

Grilling the chicken
5

Place the marinated chicken on the grill tray and brush some oil.

6

Cook the chicken in a preheated oven at 180 -200 degrees for 40-50mins.

7

Tandoori Chicken is now ready.

Tandoori Chicken

Ingredients

First Marination
 2 Whole Chicken Legs
 Salt (As per Requirement)
 1 tsp Turmeric Powder (1/2 tsp each on Both sides)
 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder (1/2 tsp each on Both sides)
 ¼ Lemon
Second Marination
 6 tbsp Thick Yogurt
 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
 ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
 ½ tsp Garam Masala
 1 tsp Coriander Powder
 1 tsp Cumin Powder
 1 tbsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
 ½ Lemon
 Kasoori Methi Leaves
 Salt (As per requirements)

Directions

First Marination (30 mins)
1

In a tray, Place the whole chicken legs with Gashes. Coat the chicken with Salt, Turmeric powder, Chilli Powder, and Lemon on both sides.

2

Marinate the chicken with the first marination for at least 30 mins.

Second Marination(Overnight)
3

In a bowl, Add in Yogurt, Ginger Garlic Paste, Turmeric powder, Garam Masala, Kashmiri Red Chilli powder, Coriander powder, Cumin powder, Lemon, Kasoori Methi leaves, and Salt. Mix all the ingredients well.

4

Pour the masala on the chicken and coat it well on both sides. Marinate the chicken overnight.

Grilling the chicken
5

Place the marinated chicken on the grill tray and brush some oil.

6

Cook the chicken in a preheated oven at 180 -200 degrees for 40-50mins.

7

Tandoori Chicken is now ready.

Notes

Tandoori Chicken

Tips

  • Marinate the chicken for as long as possible to ensure maximum flavor.
  • Be sure to use full-fat yogurt in the marinade for a creamier texture and better flavor.
  • Add food coloring to the marinade for a traditional red hue.
  • If using an oven instead of a tandoor, place the chicken on a rack to allow heat to circulate evenly.
  • Baste the chicken with the marinade occasionally while cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Broil the chicken for a minute or two at the end of cooking to achieve a crispy, charred skin.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Serve Tandoori Chicken with a side of mint chutney and lemon wedges to balance out the spiciness of the dish.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
  • Experiment with different spice blends to create your own unique Tandoori Chicken recipe.

FAQs

Q. What is Tandoori Chicken?
A: Tandoori Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish from the Indian subcontinent, known for its tender, juicy meat, and crispy, charred skin.

Q. How is Tandoori Chicken made?
A: To make Tandoori Chicken, chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and food coloring, then cooked in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven.

Q. What is a tandoor oven?
A: A tandoor oven is a traditional clay oven used in Indian cuisine to cook dishes like Tandoori Chicken.

Q. Can I make Tandoori Chicken without a tandoor oven?
A: Yes, Tandoori Chicken can be made in a regular oven or on the grill.

Q. What is the marinade for Tandoori Chicken made of?
A: The marinade for Tandoori Chicken is typically made of yogurt, spices, and food coloring. The specific ingredients and measurements can vary based on personal preference and regional variations.

Q. How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, it’s recommended to marinate for several hours or overnight.

Q. Can Tandoori Chicken be made with other meats?
A: Yes, Tandoori Chicken can be made with other meats like lamb or fish.

Q. What should I serve with Tandoori Chicken?
A: Tandoori Chicken is typically served with a side of mint chutney, lemon wedges, and/or naan bread.

Q. How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover Tandoori Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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