Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its vibrant color and smoky flavor. It’s typically marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), but you can achieve similar results in a regular oven or on a grill. Here’s a recipe for making Tandoori Chicken at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala (available at Indian grocery stores or online)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground garlic
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cilantro or mint for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, vegetable oil, lemon juice, tandoori masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, ground ginger, ground garlic, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
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Marinate the chicken: Make a few slashes in the chicken pieces to help the marinade penetrate. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors develop.
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Preheat the oven or grill: If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
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Cook the chicken:
- Oven Method: Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a slightly charred appearance. For extra char, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Grill Method: Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint and serve with lemon wedges. Tandoori chicken pairs well with naan bread, rice, and a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic Tandoori Chicken!
