Authentic Tandoori Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tandoori Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of bold spices, smokiness, and tangy yogurt. The marinade gives the chicken a deep, rich flavor that seeps into every bite, while the grilling process creates a deliciously crispy, charred exterior. It’s a great dish for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a BBQ, serving it for a family dinner, or craving an authentic Indian meal at home. The flavors are vibrant, the texture is tender, and the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1-inch ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 pounds chicken quarters (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced ginger, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, garam masala, ground coriander, salt, smoked paprika, olive oil, and plain yogurt. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined into a smooth paste.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Make deep slashes in the chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or quarters) to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat. Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare for Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to turn white and hot. For a gas grill, set it to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with a side of naan, rice, or a fresh cucumber salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes (excluding marinating time)

Variations

• Oven Baking: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also bake the tandoori chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked and golden brown.
• Add Spice: If you like more heat, increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a finely chopped fresh chili to the marinade.
• Lemon or Lime Marinade: For extra tanginess, you can add a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice to the marinade.
• Boneless Chicken: If you prefer boneless chicken, you can use chicken breasts or thighs. Just reduce the grilling time to 5-7 minutes per side.
• Vegetarian Version: You can also make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with paneer (Indian cheese), tofu, or vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, and bell peppers.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover tandoori chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling. Just place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover tandoori chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it on the grill for a few minutes to bring back some of the smoky flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs or drumsticks?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they will cook faster. Chicken thighs and drumsticks are more forgiving and tend to remain juicier.

2. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to deeply infuse the meat, making it even more flavorful. If you’re short on time, marinating for at least 2 hours will still yield delicious results.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the tandoori chicken spicier, add more smoked paprika, ground chili powder, or chopped fresh green chilies to the marinade.

4. Can I bake the chicken if I don’t have a grill?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown color.

5. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but it will cook faster, so adjust your grilling time to 5-7 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the pieces.

6. Can I use non-fat yogurt for the marinade?

You can use non-fat yogurt, but full-fat yogurt gives the marinade a richer, creamier texture and helps tenderize the chicken better.

7. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.

8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

9. Can I use other spices for the marinade?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other spices such as turmeric, cardamom, or cloves to customize the flavor of your tandoori chicken.

10. What can I serve with tandoori chicken?

Tandoori chicken is often served with naan, basmati rice, a cucumber salad, or a mint yogurt dip like raita. You can also add some grilled vegetables for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Authentic Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful, aromatic dish that combines tender marinated chicken with bold Indian spices. Whether you grill it or bake it, the result is a beautifully charred, juicy chicken that’s packed with flavor. With a few simple ingredients and spices, you can recreate this Indian classic in your own kitchen, impressing friends and family with an authentic and delicious meal.

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