Tandoori chicken is a classic Indian dish featuring chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a tandoor oven. Here’s a recipe to make this flavorful dish at home: marinate chicken in a yogurt-based sauce with warming spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric.
Bake or grill the chicken until cooked through. Enjoy with basmati rice, naan, and raita for a complete and delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 tablespoon paprika
1 cup plain yogurt (or buttermilk)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon salt
For the Chicken
4 bone-in, skinless chicken leg quarters (or thighs, drumsticks)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a small pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and paprika. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant (about 3 minutes). Let cool completely.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled spice mixture, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and salt.
Add chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, for the flavors to develop.
Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can also broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end for a crispier exterior.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
Tips
For a richer flavor: You can substitute Greek yogurt (hung curd) for the plain yogurt in the marinade.
No oven? No problem! You can grill the chicken on a preheated grill pan or even grill it outdoors for an authentic smoky flavor.
Spice it up: If you prefer a spicier Tandoori chicken, add a chopped green chili pepper to the marinade.
Serve with your favorites: Enjoy your Tandoori chicken with basmati rice, naan bread, and a cooling raita.