Description
Indian Tandoori Chicken – Chicken is a traditional Indian dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken grilled or baked to perfection with bold spices and a smoky flavor. This easy recipe delivers authentic taste with a creamy yogurt base and aromatic Indian spices, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 kg Chicken (bone-in pieces): tender and flavorful when grilled
- 1 cup Yogurt: adds creaminess and helps tenderize the meat
- 2 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste: enhances aroma and flavor
- 2 tsp Red Chili Powder: adds spice and vibrant color
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder: provides earthy flavor and color
- 2 tsp Cumin Powder: adds nutty warmth
- 2 tsp Coriander Powder: brings citrusy depth
- 1 tbsp Garam Masala: signature Indian spice blend for aroma
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice: adds freshness and tenderizes chicken
- 2 tbsp Oil or Ghee: keeps chicken moist and flavorful
- Salt: to taste
Instructions
- Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces. Make deep slits on each to allow the marinade to penetrate.
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of chili powder. Rub this onto the chicken and set aside for 20 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and oil. Mix into a smooth marinade.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly in the yogurt-spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat the grill or oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a tray with foil and place the chicken on a rack.
- Grill or bake for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a smoky char.
- Alternatively, cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with onion rings, lemon wedges, and sprinkle chaat masala before serving.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Use Kashmiri red chili powder for natural color without artificial dye.
- Bone-in chicken retains more moisture and enhances taste.
- Finish over an open flame or use the ‘dhungar’ method for authentic smoky flavor.
- Serve hot with naan, mint chutney, or basmati rice.
- Prep Time: 4 hours (includes marination)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled or Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Indian Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Chicken Recipe, Authentic Indian Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Smoky Chicken, Yogurt Marinade Chicken