Authentic Tandoori Chicken

Name: Authentic Tandoori Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 290 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat); 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1.5 kg chicken pieces (skinless, bone-in)

290 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Enjoy a classic Indian dish at home with this authentic tandoori chicken recipe, featuring spiced yogurt marinade and a vibrant flavour.

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Total

290 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Tandoori chicken is a quintessential dish in Indian cuisine, known for its vibrant colour and rich, smoky flavour. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, it is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, which infuses it with a depth of flavour that is both spicy and tangy. While a tandoor is ideal, you can achieve similar results using a grill or an oven. The key to a good tandoori chicken lies in the marinade. Yogurt tenderizes the meat while a blend of spices provides the distinctive taste. This recipe will guide you through creating an authentic tandoori chicken at home, capturing the essence of its traditional preparation.

Instructions

Prepare the marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, oil, cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until smooth.

Pro tip: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.

Marinate the chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Pro tip: For deeper flavour, marinate overnight.

Preheat the grill or oven

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Pro tip: If using a grill, oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Cook the chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Place on the grill or a baking sheet. Cook on the grill for 15-20 minutes per side, or in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken.

Rest the chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro tip: Resting helps the juices redistribute.

Serve

Serve the tandoori chicken hot with lemon wedges and your choice of side dishes.

Pro tip: Garnish with chopped coriander for extra flavour.

💡

Tips & Tricks

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavour.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve with fresh lemon wedges for added zest.
If you don't have a tandoor, a hot oven or grill works well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should chicken be marinated for tandoori?

For the best flavour, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

What temperature should tandoori chicken be cooked to?

Cook tandoori chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make tandoori chicken in the oven?

Yes, you can cook tandoori chicken in the oven preheated to 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

What is the best cut for tandoori chicken?

Bone-in, skinless chicken pieces such as thighs or drumsticks are ideal for tandoori chicken.

How do you get the red colour in tandoori chicken?

The red colour comes from paprika and cayenne pepper in the marinade. Some recipes use food colouring, but it's optional.

Serving Suggestions

Tandoori chicken is best enjoyed hot, served with naan bread or basmati rice. Consider pairing it with a refreshing cucumber raita or a side of grilled vegetables to complement the spices. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the oven to maintain its juicy texture.

Nutrition per serving

350

Calories

35g

Protein

20g

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