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Tandoori Chicken brings the bold flavors of classic Indian cuisine straight to your kitchen even without a clay tandoor oven. This recipe lets you create smoky tender chicken in your conventional oven with a striking marinade that fills the house with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks and thighs: provide rich flavor plus they stay moist during roasting so buy the freshest you can get or look for organic
- Full fat plain yogurt: is essential for a creamy marinade that clings to the chicken use whole milk yogurt for best tenderness
- Vegetable oil: helps seal in moisture in the marinade choose a neutral oil so flavors shine
- Lemon juice: brightens the marinade and helps tenderize the meat always use fresh lemons for punch
- Fresh ginger and garlic: give deep aromatic heat pick firm roots and plump cloves for maximum flavor
- Garam masala: is the warming spice blend at the heart of many Indian dishes use fresh spices for aroma
- Paprika: lends that iconic red hue go for a sweet mild version or mix a dash of smoked for depth
- Turmeric: provides earthiness and color opt for a high-quality powdered turmeric
- Ground cumin and coriander: amplify the dish with nutty citrus notes
- Cayenne pepper: gives heat adjust according to your spice tolerance
- Salt: brings everything together just enough to season
- Fresh cilantro: adds brightness when serving pick vibrant leaves
- Lemon wedges: at the end offer a sharp finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a spacious mixing bowl whisk together yogurt vegetable oil lemon juice grated ginger minced garlic garam masala paprika turmeric cumin coriander cayenne and salt Stir until completely smooth and well blended
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Use a sharp knife to make two or three deep cuts in each chicken piece which allows flavor to seep in Coat chicken thoroughly in the marinade turning pieces to cover all sides Cover the bowl and refrigerate for no less than twelve hours aim for a full day if you can
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to two hundred degrees Celsius Place a wire rack over a foil lined baking tray Brush the rack lightly with oil to avoid sticking
- Bake the Chicken:
- Arrange marinated chicken pieces on the rack with a little room between each Bake for thirty minutes Flip each piece and roast another ten to fifteen minutes You are looking for slightly charred edges and an internal temperature of seventy five degrees Celsius
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking Scatter cilantro leaves over the top and serve with lemon wedges alongside rice naan or a bright salad
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Storage Tips
Store cooled cooked tandoori chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days It also freezes very well for up to two months Reheat in a low oven covered with foil until warmed through which keeps it from drying out
Ingredient Substitutions
If chicken drumsticks and thighs are not available you can use boneless thighs or even chicken breast though bone-in gives more flavor Greek yogurt works in place of full fat plain yogurt If you need it milder reduce or omit cayenne and choose sweet paprika only
Serving Suggestions
Tandoori chicken shines with naan and fluffy basmati rice Try serving with cucumber raita for a cooling touch or wrap the meat in flatbread with a crunchy slaw for a street food style meal
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Cultural Snapshot
This dish comes from Northern India and owes its character to the smoky heat of the tandoor although now many home cooks adapt it with grills or ovens It is a staple at celebrations and was one of the first Indian dishes to gain universal popularity
Recipe Questions
- → What gives the chicken its vibrant color?
Paprika and turmeric in the marinade create the signature reddish hue, while also adding subtle earthy flavors.
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Ideally, marinate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours to infuse deep flavor and achieve juicy texture.
- → Can I use boneless chicken pieces?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be used, though bone-in pieces typically stay juicier and more flavorful.
- → What is the best way to get a smoky finish?
High oven temperature helps with charring. For extra smokiness, briefly broil or use smoked paprika in the marinade.
- → Which side dishes pair well with tandoori chicken?
Naan, basmati rice, cucumber salad, or mint chutney complement the spiced chicken beautifully.
- → Is a tandoor oven required?
No, the dish adapts well to a conventional oven, achieving a similar taste and texture as a clay oven method.