Indian, Uncategorized

Tandoori Chicken Recipe

By Gurleen | Plate & Play

If you enjoy bold Indian flavors, this Tandoori Chicken Recipe deserves a place in your kitchen. Tender chicken is marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, and aromatic spices before being cooked until beautifully charred and juicy. Although traditional tandoori chicken is prepared in a clay oven, this recipe delivers the same delicious taste using an oven, air fryer, or grill. As a result, you can enjoy restaurant-style tandoori chicken without any special equipment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Every bite is packed with smoky flavor and a rich blend of spices. Moreover, the marinade keeps the chicken incredibly juicy while creating a beautiful color. Since the recipe uses everyday ingredients, it is easy to prepare at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a festive celebration, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the First Marinade

1 kg chicken drumsticks or thighs
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder

For the Main Marinade

1 cup thick hung curd
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
2 tablespoons mustard oil
1 tablespoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
1 tablespoon crushed kasuri methi
½ teaspoon black pepper powder
Salt as required

For Serving

Onion rings
Lemon wedges
Mint chutney
Fresh coriander leaves

Preparation Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marination Time: 6–8 hours
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 8 hours
Servings: 4

How to Make Tandoori Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by washing the chicken thoroughly and patting it dry with a kitchen towel. Deep cuts should be made on each piece so the marinade reaches the inside. Afterwards, rub the chicken with lemon juice, salt, and Kashmiri red chilli powder. Leave it aside for about 20 minutes while you prepare the main marinade.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

Meanwhile, place the hung curd in a large mixing bowl. Next, add ginger-garlic paste, mustard oil, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, roasted cumin powder, black pepper, kasuri methi, and salt. Once all the ingredients are added, whisk everything until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Carefully coat every chicken piece with the prepared marinade. Make sure the mixture enters all the cuts for maximum flavor. Afterwards, cover the bowl with cling film or a lid. Ideally, refrigerate the chicken overnight. However, a marination time of at least six hours also produces excellent results.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 220°C before placing the chicken inside. Arrange the marinated pieces on a lined baking tray without overcrowding them. Halfway through cooking, turn each piece carefully to ensure even browning. Finally, brush the chicken with melted butter during the last few minutes for a rich finish.

Step 5: Air Fryer Method

Alternatively, preheat the air fryer to 200°C. Arrange the chicken in a single layer inside the basket. After about 12 minutes, flip the pieces carefully. Continue cooking until the chicken is tender and lightly charred. Before serving, brush with a little butter if desired.

Step 6: Grill Method

For a smoky flavor, cook the chicken on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Turn the pieces regularly so they cook evenly from every side. Once the chicken develops beautiful char marks, remove it from the grill. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Tandoori Chicken

Fresh ingredients always produce the best flavor. Thick hung curd works better than regular yogurt because it creates a rich marinade. In addition, mustard oil provides the authentic North Indian taste. Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it may become dry. Finally, resting the cooked chicken for a few minutes helps retain its juices.

Serving Suggestions

Tandoori chicken pairs wonderfully with many Indian sides. Butter naan makes a satisfying combination for dinner. Likewise, roomali roti complements the smoky flavors beautifully. Jeera rice is another excellent choice for a complete meal. Along with these options, serve onion rings, mint chutney, and fresh lemon wedges for a classic restaurant-style presentation.

Storage Instructions

Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it. Afterwards, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. Whenever you want to enjoy it again, reheat it in an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave to maintain the texture.