Sizzling Tandoori Chicken Recipe: Spice-Kissed Grilling Magic

Sizzling spices and tender meat dance together in this mouthwatering tandoori chicken recipe that promises to transport you straight to the vibrant streets of India.

Marinated in a rich blend of yogurt and aromatic spices, this tandoori chicken brings intense flavors to your dinner table.

The secret lies in the perfect combination of traditional seasonings that infuse every single bite with authentic taste.

Succulent chicken pieces absorb the complex marinade, creating a dish that’s both bold and incredibly satisfying.

Each ingredient has been carefully selected to deliver maximum impact and deep, layered flavor profiles.

This recipe transforms a simple protein into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let the magic of tandoori spices turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Tandoori Chicken Ingredients Checklist

• Plain Yogurt: Tenderizes meat and creates creamy, tangy foundation for flavor absorption.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness, helps break down proteins, and enhances overall zestiness.

• Tandoori Masala, Turmeric Powder, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Garam Masala: Delivers authentic Indian flavor profile with warm, complex layered spiciness.
• Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste: Provides aromatic depth and traditional tandoori kick.

• Whole Chicken: Select fresh, high-quality chicken with even skin for consistent cooking.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies all other flavor components.
• Fresh Coriander Leaves: Adds vibrant green color and fresh herbal note.
• Lemon Wedges: Offers bright, citrusy contrast and allows personal flavor adjustment.

Tools That Help You Nail That Tandoori Look and Taste

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Whisk or fork: Essential for blending marinade smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Grill or baking sheet: Main cooking surface for preparing tandoori chicken.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping chicken and handling meat during cooking.
• Sharp knife: Helps cut chicken pieces and trim excess fat.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Serving platter: Displays cooked tandoori chicken beautifully.

How to Roast or Grill Tandoori Chicken Right at Home

• Flavor Fusion

Blend creamy yogurt with zesty lemon, aromatic spices, and a touch of oil to create a magical marinade that will transform ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

• Marination Magic

Lovingly massage the spice mixture into chicken pieces, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. Let the flavors mingle and dance in the refrigerator for a few restful hours or overnight.

• Heat Adventure

Fire up your cooking surface – whether a sizzling grill or a hot oven – to bring this dish to life. The goal is a perfect golden-brown exterior with juicy, tender meat inside.

• Culinary Transformation

Cook the chicken until it reaches a gorgeous caramel color, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor development. Watch for those tempting crispy edges that promise deliciousness.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh green coriander leaves over the chicken and serve with bright lemon wedges, creating a feast that will transport taste buds to the vibrant streets of India.

Tips for Spice Mixes and Marinade Depth

• Adjust the tandoori masala's heat by adding more or less red chili powder to match your personal spice tolerance.
• Let the yogurt marinade work its magic for at least 4 hours, helping break down chicken proteins for extra tenderness and flavor absorption.
• No grill? No problem. Use a cast-iron skillet, broiler, or even an air fryer to achieve those signature charred edges and juicy interior.
• Replace chicken with paneer, tofu, or lamb for a delightful twist on the classic tandoori recipe, keeping the same aromatic spice blend.
• Transform remaining tandoori chicken into wraps, salads, or shredded filling for sandwiches and tacos, extending the deliciousness of your original meal.

Serve Tandoori Chicken with Sauces or Rice Dishes

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair the tandoori chicken with fragrant basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious marinade and create a complete meal.
• Zesty Side Symphony: Serve alongside a cooling cucumber raita or fresh mint chutney to balance the spicy, smoky flavors of the tandoori chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Colorful Plate Presentation: Arrange the chicken on a platter with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to add vibrant colors and extra nutritional value to the dish.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack the tandoori chicken in a portable container for a delightful outdoor meal, easily paired with a simple salad or wrapped in soft flatbread for a quick and tasty lunch option.

Storage That Maintains Tandoori Chicken’s Bold Taste

• Marination Magic: Refrigerate the marinated chicken in an airtight container to lock in flavors and prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
• Cooling Techniques: Store leftover tandoori chicken in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum taste and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to enjoy the meal for up to 2 months – perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm leftover chicken gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain moisture and prevent drying out, bringing back that fresh-from-the-grill taste.

Mouthwatering Tandoori Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Authentic tandoori chicken brings Indian culinary magic to home kitchens with tender, spice-marinated meat. Marinating overnight and roasting at high heat ensures juicy, flavorful results you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) tandoori masala
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp (15 g) ginger paste
• 1 tbsp (15 g) garlic paste
• 1 tsp (5 g) turmeric powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
• 1 tsp (5 g) ground coriander
• 1 tsp (5 g) garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and tandoori spice mix in a large bowl until creating a smooth, uniform marinade.
2. Chicken Coating: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with marinade, massaging spices deeply into meat to ensure complete flavor penetration and even coverage.
3. Marination Process: Seal chicken in a container or plastic bag, refrigerate for 4-8 hours, allowing spices to deeply infuse and tenderize the meat.
4. Heating Setup: Preheat grill to medium-high (375-425°F) or oven to 400°F, lightly oiling cooking surface to prevent potential sticking.
5. Cooking Technique: Arrange chicken with adequate spacing on grill grates or baking sheet, promoting consistent heat distribution and uniform browning.
6. Grilling/Roasting: Cook chicken, rotating occasionally, until achieving golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 20-25 minutes.
7. Resting and Serving: Remove from heat, let rest 5-7 minutes to redistribute juices, then garnish with fresh coriander and lemon wedges for a vibrant, zesty finish.

Notes

• Marinate Mastery: Allow chicken to soak in marinade for at least 4 hours, overnight preferably, to maximize flavor depth and tenderize meat effectively.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Grilling Technique: Maintain medium-high heat and rotate chicken periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior and prevent uneven cooking or burning.
• Resting Rule: Let chicken rest 5-7 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite remains incredibly moist and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg