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+ servings

Tandoori Chicken

A flavorful and aromatic Indian dish featuring marinated chicken grilled to perfection, infused with spices and yogurt.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup plain yogurt preferably whole milk for creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for moisture and flavor
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste or finely minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste or finely minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon tandoori masala store-bought or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin for earthy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander for a citrusy note
  • 1 teaspoon paprika for color and mild heat
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs bone-in, skinless preferred
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, tandoori masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This marinade will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Preheat the Grill
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If using an oven, preheat to 425°F. This ensures a nice sear on the chicken, locking in moisture.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill or a baking sheet if using the oven. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
  2. If using an oven, bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. The chicken should be charred and cooked through.
Serve
  1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lemon wedges. Serve with naan or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For a smoky flavor, you can add a piece of charcoal to the grill or use a stovetop smoker. Adjust spices according to your heat preference.

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