Description
Tandoori chicken offers a symphony of spices from North India’s culinary landscape. Marinated in yogurt and bold masala, this flame-kissed delicacy promises a journey through rich, smoky flavors that will spark celebration on your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tandoori masala
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) garam masala
- Salt to taste
Marinade and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) garlic paste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Combine thick, creamy plain yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, aromatic vegetable oil, and a vibrant blend of traditional tandoori spice mix in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
- Carefully massage the fragrant marinade into each chicken piece, ensuring complete and even coverage, penetrating all surfaces for maximum flavor absorption.
- Transfer marinated chicken to a sealed container or resealable plastic bag, placing in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably allowing flavors to develop overnight for enhanced taste complexity.
- Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature (approximately 375-425°F or 190-218°C) or preheat conventional oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing cooking surface with light oil coating to prevent sticking.
- Position chicken pieces on grill grates or baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing between items to promote even cooking and optimal heat circulation.
- Rotate chicken periodically during cooking process, ensuring golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, approximately 20-25 minutes total cooking time.
- Remove from heat source and allow chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout meat for maximum tenderness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and accompany with zesty lemon wedges, providing a bright, citrusy complement to the rich, spiced chicken.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, richer flavor that penetrates every fiber of the meat.
- Choose full-fat yogurt to ensure tender, juicy chicken with a creamy coating.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
- Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to seal in succulent juices.
- Customize spice blend by adjusting chili powder and garam masala for personal heat preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 120mg