Name: Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 29 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds of chicken quarters (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks); 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1 inch ginger (minced, or paste (around 1 tablespoon)); 2 garlic cloves (finely minced or paste (around 1 teaspoon)); Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice for additional tang (especially if your yogurt isn’t too tart.)

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When I think about the most satisfying dinners I’ve made, this tandoori chicken recipe always tops the list. The burst of smoky, tangy, and earthy flavors combined with its golden, slightly charred crust makes it such a family favorite. Trust me, once you’ve tasted the juicy chicken with those authentic spices, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s easy to prepare, and you don’t need a tandoor or advanced cooking skills, just a love for good food!

Credit: allrecipes.com

Ingredients

Each ingredient adds a unique touch to this dish. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

2 pounds of chicken quarters (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks): Using pieces with the bone and skin ensures a juicy texture. If you prefer boneless, chicken thighs work well too.
1 cup plain yogurt: Adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken. Try to use full-fat Greek yogurt for richness.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and adds a slight sheen.
1 teaspoon cumin powder: Earthy and warm, this spice is a must-have.
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder: Adds sweet warmth without overpowering other spices.
1 teaspoon garam masala: This blend is the heart of tandoori chicken, giving it authentic Indian notes.
1 teaspoon ground coriander: Offers citrus-like brightness to balance other earthy flavors.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a delicious smoky aroma, compensating for the lack of a traditional tandoor.
1 teaspoon turmeric powder: Adds a warm yellow color and mild bitterness.
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the marinated flavors.
1 inch ginger, minced, or paste (around 1 tablespoon): Gives the chicken a spicy zing.
2 garlic cloves, finely minced or paste (around 1 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor with its sharpness.
Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice for additional tang, especially if your yogurt isn’t too tart.

Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously, so adjust the quantities as needed based on servings.

Variations

Want to add your own spin? Here are a few ideas to tweak the recipe:

Dairy-Free: Swap yogurt with coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. It’ll still add creaminess.
Spice Level: Adjust the smokiness by increasing paprika or adding a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
Herbs: Toss in fresh cilantro or mint leaves into the marinade for extra freshness.
Low-Fat: Use low-fat yogurt and skinless chicken if you prefer a lighter version.
Extra Smokiness: If grilling, add a drop of liquid smoke to the marinade for a smoky twist.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long this recipe will take:

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating for 10–60 minutes)
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes (excluding longer marinating time if chosen)

Equipment You Need

To make this recipe, gather the following tools:

Mixing bowl: For preparing the marinade.
Whisk or spoon: To blend the spices and yogurt evenly.
Wire rack placed on a baking tray (or roasting rack): Ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy on all sides.
Oven: For baking the chicken to perfection.
Meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

How to Make Tandoori Chicken?

Achieving that golden, flavorful tandoori chicken couldn’t be easier! Follow these step-by-step instructions:

Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking the yogurt in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the cumin, garam masala, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, ginger, and garlic. Mix well until the spices blend into a vibrant, fragrant marinade. The olive oil will help the spices stick to the chicken evenly.

Marinate the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and make small slits in the meat to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply. Place the chicken in the marinade and coat it thoroughly, making sure every piece is covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, but for the best flavors, marinate for up to an hour (or even overnight).

Arrange and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a foil-lined wire rack over a baking tray to catch drippings. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the rack, shaking off any excess marinade. Don’t overcrowd the pieces to allow even cooking. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is tender, slightly charred, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting is crucial as it redistributes the juices, making the chicken extra juicy and flavorful.

Credit: cubesnjuliennes.com

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this several times, here are some tips I swear by:

Don’t skip the ginger and garlic: Freshly minced versions make a huge difference in flavor compared to store-bought pastes.
Room temperature chicken: Before baking, bring the marinated chicken to room temperature for uniform cooking.
Add color: To get that restaurant-style reddish hue, you can add a pinch of natural red food coloring to the marinade.
Crisper exterior: Broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking for extra charred edges.
Grill alternative: Cooking this over a charcoal grill instead of an oven enhances the smoky flavors.

How to Serve Tandoori Chicken?

Tandoori chicken is truly a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Classic Pairings: Serve with warm naan bread or steamed basmati rice to soak up all the juices.
Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp cucumber and mint yogurt salad for balance.
Plating: Arrange the chicken on a platter, garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro sprigs for a pop of color and freshness.
Chutney: Add a dollop of tangy mint chutney or tamarind sauce on the side for dipping.

If you’re a fan of flavorful chicken dishes, you might also enjoy this Chicken Quesadilla Recipe.

Nutritional Information

This recipe delivers a nutritious and flavorful dish. Per serving, you’re looking at:

Calories: 250
Protein: 17g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fat: 19g

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re prepping ahead or have leftovers, here’s what to do:

Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Refrigerating Leftovers: Keep any cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short bursts until heated through.

For more chicken inspiration, check out these Chicken Recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this tandoori chicken recipe will become a staple in your home:

Bursting with Flavor: The yogurt and spices blend beautifully for a bold, aromatic dish.
Simple but Impressive: Minimal steps and spices create a restaurant-worthy meal.
Customizable: Easily adaptable for different diets and flavor preferences.
Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of active prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Impressive for Guests: A visually beautiful dish with restaurant-quality taste.

Now that you’ve mastered this tandoori chicken recipe, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start cooking! With its intoxicating aroma and incredible taste, this dish is sure to become a favorite for every occasion. Enjoy!

Ash Tyrrell