Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The marinated chicken cooked to perfection in a tandoor or oven results in tender and juicy meat with a smoky flavor that is sure to impress your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The blend of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and garam masala creates a burst of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
- This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Tandoori Chicken is versatile and can be served as a main dish, in wraps, or even on top of salads for a delicious meal.
Ingredient Notes:
- Fresh ginger and garlic add a bold and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
- Cumin, cinnamon, garam masala, and coriander provide a warm and earthy spice blend.
- Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken while adding a creamy texture to the marinade.
- Chicken quarters or a mix of thighs and drumsticks can be used for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix ginger, garlic, spices, salt, olive oil, and yogurt to create the marinade.
- Add chicken to the marinade, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve Tandoori Chicken with a side of cooling cucumber raita and warm naan bread.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use Greek yogurt for a thicker and richer marinade.
- For an authentic touch, cook the chicken over charcoal for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy Tandoori Chicken with a side of fragrant basmati rice, grilled vegetables, and a refreshing mint chutney. Pair it with a cold lassi or a crisp Indian beer for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover Tandoori Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring to retain its juicy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a quicker cooking time. - Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely, grilling will enhance the smoky flavors of the dish. - Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months for future use. - What can I substitute for garam masala?
A mix of ground cumin, coriander, and cardamom can be used as a substitute for garam masala.
Conclusion:
Tandoori Chicken is a must-try recipe that is bursting with flavors and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to spice up your meal rotation, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and share your feedback with us!
PrintTandoori Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45-50 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked to perfection. The combination of spices and yogurt creates a tender and juicy dish with a smoky flavor.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garam marsala
- 1 teaspoon ground corriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken quarters or a mix of thighs and drumsticks
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
- Optional: For a smokier flavor, finish under the broiler for a few minutes.
Notes
- You can also cook the marinated chicken on a grill for a more authentic tandoori flavor.
- Serve with naan bread, rice, and cucumber raita for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg