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+ servings

Tandoori Chicken

A flavorful and aromatic Indian dish featuring chicken marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, then grilled to perfection.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup plain yogurt preferably whole milk for creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed for best flavor
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for moisture
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste or finely minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste or finely minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon tandoori masala store-bought or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin for earthy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander for freshness
  • 1 teaspoon paprika for color and mild heat
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs skinless for a healthier option
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, tandoori masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This marinade will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Preheat the Grill
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If using an oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial for achieving a nice char on the chicken.
Grill the Chicken
  1. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  2. If using an oven, place the chicken on a baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
Serve
  1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve with naan or rice, and a side of cucumber raita for a complete meal.

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