How to Make Tandoori Chicken at Home
Recipe Overview
Overview
Tandoori Chicken is a beloved dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. The recipe begins with a simple yet effective marinade made from yogurt, olive oil, and a mix of spices. The yogurt not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and succulent after cooking.
The process involves marinating the chicken for several hours, preferably overnight, which allows the spices to infuse deeply into the meat. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic tandoori taste. Once marinated, the chicken is baked in the oven, where the high heat creates a beautiful char on the skin, reminiscent of traditional tandoor cooking.
As the chicken cooks, the aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist. The final result is a beautifully colored, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with sides like naan or rice. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a meal at home, this Tandoori Chicken recipe is sure to impress.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Add one cup of plain yogurt to a large bowl.
Add about a teaspoon and a half of salt to the yogurt.
Add ginger garlic paste to the bowl.
Add tandoori spice blend to the mixture.
Break down an entire chicken into halves, keeping the skin on.
Tip: Keeping the skin on the chicken helps achieve a charred flavor.
Make cuts in the chicken to help the marinade penetrate.
Tip: Make cuts in the chicken to allow the marinade to penetrate better.
Mix the chicken with the marinade and cover with cling wrap.
Put the marinated chicken in the fridge to marinate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 380°F.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
Tip: Using parchment paper or foil on the baking tray makes cleanup easier.
Spray the wire rack with oil to prevent sticking.
Place the marinated chicken on the wire rack.
Gently tent the chicken with foil.
Tip: Tent the chicken with foil to prevent early charring.
Tip: Cooking at 380°F helps avoid burning while ensuring the chicken cooks through.
Place the chicken in the oven on the middle rack.
Check the chicken after 40 minutes.
Rotate the chicken every 5 minutes for even cooking.
Tip: Rotate the chicken every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Remove the chicken from the oven after 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Allow the chicken to cool for a few minutes.
Tip: Allow the chicken to cool for a few minutes before chopping.
Chop the chicken into pieces and serve.
Serve with a couple of wedges of lime.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Yogurt
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Tandoori chicken is traditionally cooked in a clay oven, which imparts a unique flavor.
- •Marinating chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a juicier dish.
- •Using yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken and adds creaminess.
- •Tandoori spice blends can vary, but they typically include spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika.
