Description
Discover the vibrant world of Indian cuisine through an authentic homemade tandoori chicken recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to your kitchen. This classic grilled chicken dish transforms simple ingredients into a sensational meal bursting with aromatic spices and rich cultural heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, ginger, garlic, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a smooth marinade. - Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4-6 hours, or overnight for the best flavor infusion. - Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using an oven, preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. - Grill or Bake the Chicken:
Lightly oil the grill grates or your baking sheet. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. If baking, roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with naan or rice. Enjoy with a side of raita or your favorite chutney.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add a fresh chopped chili to the marinade.
- If you don’t have a grill, broiling in the oven works well to get that charred effect on the chicken.
- The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Try to marinate overnight for the best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Tandoori Chicken, Indian Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Indian Cuisine, Chicken Marinade