Tandoori Chicken
A flavorful and aromatic Indian dish made with marinated chicken in yogurt and spices, grilled or baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breast) Bone-in, skin-on pieces preferred for juiciness.
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- to taste Fresh mint or cilantro for garnish Optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cleaning the chicken pieces and patting them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Cooking
- Preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature (around 450°F / 230°C).
- If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- If using an oven, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until fully cooked.
- For an extra char, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!
Notes
Serve the tandoori chicken on a platter, garnished with fresh mint or cilantro, and consider adding lime wedges for a zesty finish. Pair with sides like naan, biryani, or cucumber raita for a complete meal.