Authentic Indian Chicken Tandoori: A Taste of Tradition

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken (preferably leg quarters)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
2 tablespoons coriander powder
1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
2 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon garam masala
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander for garnishing
1/2 lemon for garnishing

Steps and instructions

Clean the chicken and make deep incisions on it.
In a bowl, mix lemon juice, chilli powder and salt. Apply this mixture to the chicken and set aside for about 20 minutes.
In another bowl, prepare a marinade with yoghurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, oil, turmeric powder, coriander powder and garam masala. Mix well until smooth.
Add the chicken to this marinade. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2-3 hours, but preferably overnight.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a grilling rack.
Grill the chicken in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, then flip the chicken and grill for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and charred.
Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and let it rest for few minutes.
Serve the Tandoori Chicken hot, garnished with coriander leaves and lemon wedges.

Tools for making

Grilling rack - Used to place the chicken in the oven for grilling.
Mixing bowl - Used to combine ingredients for the marinade.
Knife - Used to make deep incisions in the chicken.
Basting brush - Used to apply the marinade onto the chicken.
Oven - Used to grill the marinated chicken.

Recipe variations

Use boneless chicken breasts instead of leg quarters.
Experiment with different spices or spice blends to customize the flavor profile.
Add a tablespoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the marinade for a unique flavor.
Try using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a thicker marinade.
Add a teaspoon of ground cumin to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian version.
For a healthier option, grill the marinated chicken on a barbecue instead of using an oven.
Experiment with different garnishes such as sliced onions, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of chaat masala.
Add a few drops of red food coloring to the marinade to achieve the traditional vibrant red color of Tandoori Chicken.
For a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the marinade.

Recipe overview

Tandoori Chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its delightful flavors and char-grilled crispness. It's marinated in yogurt and an array of fragrant spices, then grilled to perfection. This recipe guides you to achieve the authentic flavor right at home. You'll find the chicken to be exquisitely juicy and aromatic, its taste amplified by the smoky char. The recipe includes a simple step-by-step guide from the marination process to grilling. It requires a handful of ingredients, most of which are spices that are readily available. The key to a great Tandoori Chicken lies in the marination - the longer, the better. While it takes some time to marinate, the actual cooking process is relatively quick and straightforward. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions and is best served hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges. Enjoy the cooking process and the delectable end result!

Common questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of leg quarters? Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of leg quarters. However, keep in mind that chicken breast tends to dry out faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long should I marinate the chicken? It is recommended to marinate the chicken for a minimum of 2-3 hours. For best results, marinate it overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for regular yogurt in this recipe. Greek yogurt will provide a thicker consistency to the marinade.
Do I need to use a grill rack for baking? Using a grill rack is recommended as it allows the heat to circulate evenly around the chicken, resulting in a more even cooking and better charred texture. However, if you don't have a grill rack, you can place the chicken directly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
What can I serve with Chicken Tandoori? Chicken Tandoori is often served with naan bread or basmati rice. It pairs well with mint chutney, raita, or a side salad.
Can I cook Tandoori Chicken on a stovetop? While the traditional method involves cooking Tandoori Chicken in a tandoor clay oven, you can also cook it on a stovetop using a grill pan or a non-stick skillet. Simply cook the marinated chicken on medium-high heat, flipping occasionally until it is fully cooked and charred.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grilling Rack - A rack used to hold the chicken while grilling in the oven.
Bowl - Mixing bowl for preparing the marinade.
Knife - To make deep incisions on the chicken.
Oven - To grill the chicken to perfection.
Tongs - To flip the chicken while grilling.
Serving Platter - To present the Tandoori Chicken for serving.

Origin stories

Tandoori chicken, a popular dish savored around the globe, traces its roots back to the Indian subcontinent. It was in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire in India, during the 16th century, that the art of cooking meat in a 'Tandoor', or clay oven, was perfected. A Punjabi Kundan Lal Gujral, who ran a restaurant in Peshawar before the partition of India, is credited for popularising this dish. Post partition, Gujral relocated to Delhi where he reopened his restaurant, Moti Mahal. It was here that the tandoori chicken got a makeover, with the addition of yogurt and spices to the marinade. The unique and mouth-watering taste of this delicacy soon attracted the attention of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who made it a regular at official banquets. Even foreign dignitaries like Richard Nixon, John F. Kennedy, and the King of Nepal couldn't resist this succulent masterpiece. Thus, the humble tandoori chicken broke geographical boundaries to become a global phenomenon.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.