Succulent Chicken Tandoori Recipe

Chicken Tandoori is a popular Indian dish known for its vibrant color and deep, rich flavors. This delicacy is typically made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and a blend of tandoori spices, then cooked at high temperatures in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven. However, you can recreate the experience at home using your oven or grill with our easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup thick yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tsp tandoori masala
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder for color
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder, to taste
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil or ghee, for basting
• Fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, and onion rings for garnish

Instructions:

1. Start by making the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, tandoori masala, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth, thick paste.
2. Clean the chicken pieces and make incisions to allow the marinade to penetrate. Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight for best results.
3. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). If you have a grill function, use it to get a more authentic tandoori effect.
4. Place the chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking tray. This will help any excess marinade to drip off and also allow the chicken to cook evenly all around. Baste the chicken with some vegetable oil or ghee.
5. Cook in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Baste once or twice with oil or ghee during the cooking process.
6. For the last few minutes, you can turn on the grill function or increase the temperature to char the edges slightly, which gives the characteristic tandoori flavor.
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Arrange the chicken tandoori on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, and onion rings. Serve hot with naan or basmati rice.

Tips:

• If you don’t have tandoori masala, you can make a quick version by mixing red chili powder, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
• For an extra smoky flavor, you can try smoking the chicken with a piece of charcoal placed in a small metal bowl, a few drops of oil over the charcoal and immediately cover the chicken to trap the smoke for a couple of minutes.
• To keep the chicken moist, ensure it is well-covered with the marinade and avoid overcooking.

There you have it, a simple yet delicious Chicken Tandoori recipe that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine into your kitchen. So the next time you crave something smoky and spicy, give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become a favorite!