Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken
5 from 19 votes
Indulge in the culinary adventure that is tandoori chicken! Originating from the heart of India, this dish offers a perfect fusion of mouth-watering spices and tender chicken. An excellent choice for any day, let's dive into the epicurean journey of creating this sumptuous delicacy. 
Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken, with its vibrant red hue and tantalizing aroma, is a beloved dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Renowned for its rich flavors and succulent texture, this dish has become a favorite in households and restaurants worldwide.

Despite its exotic name, tandoori chicken is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.

Legend has it that tandoori chicken was born in the kitchens of the Mughal emperors, where skilled chefs marinated chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt before cooking it in a traditional clay oven, known as a tandoor.

The result was a dish bursting with flavor, with tender, juicy chicken that left diners craving more. Today, tandoori chicken remains a staple of Indian cuisine, cherished for its bold taste and cultural significance.

While the traditional method involves cooking the chicken in a tandoor oven, this recipe offers a simplified approach using a regular oven.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can recreate the authentic flavors of tandoori chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of India, this recipe is sure to impress.

Expert Tip: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Ingredients

Chicken Legs: Chicken legs provide the base for this dish, offering juicy, tender meat that absorbs the flavors of the marinade.

Yogurt: Yogurt serves as the base of the marinade, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with a creamy texture.

Spices: These spices form the backbone of the marinade, adding depth and complexity to the dish. Each spice contributes its unique flavor, resulting in a harmonious blend of aromas and tastes.

Oil: Oil helps to bind the marinade together and adds richness to the chicken.

Garlic Paste: Garlic paste lends a pungent, savory flavor to the marinade, enhancing its overall taste profile.

Expert Tip: Use a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven for even cooking and to prevent the dish from burning.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the tandoori chicken hot, straight from the oven, accompanied by fluffy naan bread and tangy chutney for a complete meal.
  • For a refreshing contrast, pair the tandoori chicken with a crisp, green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
  • Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
  • To create a festive spread, serve the tandoori chicken alongside other Indian delicacies such as vegetable biryani, palak paneer, and mango lassi.

Expert Tip: Marinate the mutton in yogurt and spices for a few hours or overnight to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken legs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, chicken legs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor.

Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting it in the oven?

Absolutely! Tandoori chicken can be cooked on a grill for that authentic smoky flavor. Just make sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.

What can I serve with tandoori chicken?

Tandoori chicken pairs well with naan bread, rice, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with raita (yogurt sauce) and pickled onions for a complete meal.

How can I make the chicken extra spicy?

Adjust the amount of chili powder and Kashmiri chili according to your spice preference. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.

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Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken

by Nabeela Kauser
Indulge in the culinary adventure that is tandoori chicken! Originating from the heart of India, this dish offers a perfect fusion of mouth-watering spices and tender chicken.
5 from 19 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marination Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Appetiser, Appetizer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 5 pieces
Calories 322 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken Legs
  • 100 g Yoghurt
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri Chilli
  • 1 tbsp Tandoori Masala
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 tsp Dried Fenugreek Leaves Methi
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Chilli Powder
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
  • 2 tbsp Oil
  • 2 tsp Garlic Paste

Instructions

  • Cut deep slits in the chicken legs (see note 1)
  • In a large bowl add all the marinade ingredients then whisk until well combined
  • Add the chicken legs then coat each piece with the marinade evenly (see note 2)
  • Set aside to marinate for at least 1 hour (see note 3)
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) gas mark 4 then line the tray with foil and add the chicken legs (see note 4)
  • Roast for 20 minutes then flip the chicken and broil for a further 10 minutes at 250°C (480°F) gas mark 5
  • Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes then serve with naan bread and chutney then enjoy!

Video

Notes

Note 1 – For this recipe, there is enough marinade for 5 small chicken legs. If you have bigger chicken legs then you may need to use less.
Note 2 – It is important that you rub the marinade into all the crevices and inside the slits to ensure maximum flavour
Note 3 – The minimum amount of time is 30 minutes, but it is best to allow it to marinate overnight or as long as possible.
Note 4 – Use a tray with a wire rack to ensure constant air circulation, which will allow the chicken to cook evenly.
Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 858mgPotassium: 333mgFibre: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 367IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 52mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Chicken, Eid, Ramadan, Spicy
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Cook with Nabeela

Hi, I'm Nabeela!

I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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