Tandoori Chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its vibrant color and rich flavors. The dish involves marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then cooking it in a tandoor (clay oven). However, it can also be made in a conventional oven or on a grill. Here's a recipe to make Tandoori Chicken at home:
Ingredients
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Chicken Pieces: 4-6 (legs, breasts, or thighs, skinless)
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Yogurt: 1 cup (thick, plain)
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Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
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Ginger-Garlic Paste: 2 tablespoons
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Tandoori Masala: 2 tablespoons (available at Indian stores)
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Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
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Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon
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Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
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Cumin Powder: 1 teaspoon
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Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
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Salt: to taste
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Oil or Melted Butter: for basting
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Red Food Coloring: a pinch (optional, for the traditional red color)
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Fresh Cilantro and Lemon Wedges: for garnish
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken:
- Make deep cuts in the chicken pieces for better marinade penetration.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, salt, and red food coloring (if using).
- Coat the chicken pieces with the marinade. Marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
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Prepare for Cooking:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill.
- If using an oven, line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a rack over it. This setup helps in catching drippings and keeping the chicken elevated.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces on the rack.
- Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes. For grilling, cook over medium heat. Turn the pieces occasionally, basting with oil or melted butter, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
- Tandoori chicken is typically served with naan bread, rice, or a salad.
Tips
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Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
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Yogurt: Use thick yogurt to ensure the marinade sticks to the chicken.
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Smoky Flavor: For an authentic touch, you can add a smoky flavor by heating a piece of coal until red hot, placing it in a small metal bowl, and then putting the bowl in the marinated chicken container. Drizzle a little oil on the coal and quickly cover the container to trap the smoke for a few minutes.
Enjoy your homemade Tandoori Chicken!
