The Tandoori chicken recipe is a flavorful and popular Indian dish loved for its smoky aroma and juicy texture. This dish is traditionally prepared by marinating chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt and then cooking it in a tandoor (a clay oven). However, you can recreate the same authentic taste at home using your oven or grill. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a simple yet delicious tandoori chicken recipe that will make your family and friends crave more.
Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken
Before starting, gather these ingredients for your homemade tandoori chicken:
Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken (तंदूरी चिकन ਦੇ ਸਮੱਗਰੀ)
- Chicken (चिकन / ਕੁੱਕੜ): 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 1 kg chicken drumsticks.
- Yogurt (दही / ਦਹੀਂ): 1 cup (preferably thick curd).
- Ginger-Garlic Paste (अदरक-लहसुन का पेस्ट / ਅਦਰਕ-ਲਸਣ ਪੇਸਟ): 2 tablespoons.
- Lemon Juice (नींबू का रस / ਨਿੰਬੂ ਦਾ ਰਸ): 2 tablespoons.
- Tandoori Masala (तंदूरी मसाला / ਤੰਦੂਰੀ ਮਸਾਲਾ): 2 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade).
- Red Chili Powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर / ਲਾਲ ਮਿਰਚ ਪਾਊਡਰ): 1 teaspoon (adjust as per taste).
- Turmeric Powder (हल्दी पाउडर / ਹਲਦੀ ਪਾਊਡਰ): ½ teaspoon.
- Cumin Powder (जीरा पाउडर / ਜੀਰਾ ਪਾਊਡਰ): 1 teaspoon.
- Coriander Powder (धनिया पाउडर / ਧਨੀਆ ਪਾਊਡਰ): 1 teaspoon.
- Garam Masala (गरम मसाला / ਗਰਮ ਮਸਾਲਾ): ½ teaspoon.
- Kasuri Methi (कसूरी मेथी / ਕਸੂਰੀ ਮੇਥੀ): 1 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor).
- Salt (नमक / ਨਮਕ): To taste.
- Mustard Oil or Cooking Oil (सरसों का तेल या खाना पकाने का तेल / ਸਰੋਂ ਦਾ ਤੇਲ ਜਾਂ ਖਾਣਾ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਤੇਲ): 2 tablespoons.
- Butter (मक्खन / ਮੱਖਣ): For basting.
Step-by-Step Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Make deep cuts or slits in the chicken to help the marinade penetrate deeply, ensuring maximum flavor.
Step 2: First Marinade
In a bowl, mix lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a little chili powder. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, especially into the slits. Let it rest for 15 minutes. This step tenderizes the chicken and enhances its taste.
Step 3: Second Marinade
In another bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, Kasuri Methi (if using), and mustard oil. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Coat the chicken pieces evenly with this marinade, ensuring every part is covered. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.
Step 4: Cooking the Tandoori Chicken
- Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place the marinated chicken pieces on it.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. Baste with butter or oil to keep the chicken moist.
- Grill Method:
- Preheat your grill and grease it lightly.
- Cook the chicken on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently. Baste with butter to achieve a smoky flavor.
- Stovetop Method:
- Heat a grill pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet.
- Place the chicken on the pan and cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes on each side.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Sprinkle a little chaat masala for extra tanginess and garnish with fresh coriander leaves and onion rings. Serve with mint chutney, lemon wedges, and naan or rice.
Tips for the Best Tandoori Chicken
- Marination Time: Allow enough time for marination to enhance the flavor. Overnight marination works wonders.
- Use Mustard Oil: It gives an authentic taste and aroma. Heat the oil slightly before adding it to the marinade.
- Charred Effect: For a smoky effect, you can place a piece of hot charcoal in a bowl inside your cooking vessel, add a few drops of oil, and immediately cover it. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Health Benefits of Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is not only delicious but also healthy. Here are some of its benefits:
- Rich in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Low in Fat: When cooked without excess butter or oil, tandoori chicken is a low-fat dish.
- Packed with Spices: Ingredients like turmeric, cumin, and ginger are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Why Homemade Tandoori Chicken?
Making tandoori chicken at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust the spice level according to your taste. Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal without stepping out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make tandoori chicken without an oven?
Yes, you can use a stovetop grill pan or a regular skillet to cook tandoori chicken. Follow the same marinade process and cook on medium heat.
2. What can I serve with tandoori chicken?
Tandoori chicken pairs well with mint chutney, onion rings, naan, or steamed rice. For a complete meal, add a side of salad or dal.
3. How do I make the chicken juicy?
Basting with butter or oil while cooking ensures the chicken remains moist and flavorful. Avoid overcooking to retain its juiciness.
Conclusion
This tandoori chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Indian flavors. Whether it’s a family dinner, a festive occasion, or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out today and let us know how it turned out for you!
Enjoy this easy tandoori chicken recipe and savor the taste of India at home. “Tandoori Chicken Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Guide