Tandoori Chicken is a classic Indian dish known for its flavorful marinade and vibrant color. Here's a step-by-step guide to making Tandoori Chicken:
Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Ingredients you'll need:
For the Marinade:
- 4-6 chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or bone-in breasts)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color, optional)
- Salt, to taste
- A few drops of red food coloring (optional)
- Cooking oil or melted butter, for basting
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces.
2. Use a sharp knife to make shallow slits on the surface of the chicken to help the marinade penetrate.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
1. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, red chili powder, turmeric powder, paprika (if using), salt, and red food coloring (if using).
2. Mix the ingredients well to form a smooth marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
1. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade, making sure to rub it into the slits and crevices.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight. Longer marination leads to better flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven or Grill
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
1. If using an oven, place the marinated chicken on a baking rack over a baking tray to allow excess marinade to drip off. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
2. If using a grill, place the marinated chicken on the grill grates. Grill each side for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Step 6: Baste with Oil or Butter
1. During the last few minutes of cooking, baste the chicken pieces with cooking oil or melted butter. This adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.
Step 7: Serve
1. Once the Tandoori Chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven or grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Serve the Tandoori Chicken hot with naan bread, rice, or Indian flatbreads. You can also serve it with a side of mint chutney and sliced onions.
Step 8: Enjoy!
1. Your Tandoori Chicken is ready to be enjoyed. It's flavorful, tender, and has a beautiful reddish hue from the spices and marinade.
Tandoori Chicken is a popular Indian dish that's often enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. The combination of aromatic spices and yogurt marinade creates a delightful taste that's sure to please.