Sizzling Spiced Tandoori Chicken Recipe for Home Cooks

Sizzling with aromatic spices and rich tandoori chicken recipe flavors, this dish transports you straight to the vibrant streets of India.

Marinated in a blend of yogurt and traditional spices, the chicken emerges tender and bursting with complex layers of taste.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through authentic culinary traditions.

The marinade infuses deep, smoky notes that dance on your palate with incredible depth.

Charred edges and succulent meat create a perfect balance of textures that elevate this classic dish.

Packed with bold, fiery seasonings, this recipe brings restaurant-quality tandoori chicken directly to your kitchen.

Get ready to impress and savor every mouthwatering moment of this incredible culinary adventure.

Equipment for Cooking Tandoori Chicken

• Large bowl: For mixing first and second marinades.
• Knife: Sharp tool for peeling and chopping ginger and garlic.
• Cutting board: Solid surface for chopping ingredients.
• Juicer or citrus reamer: To extract lime juice efficiently.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate spice measurements.
• Baking sheet or grill: Primary cooking surface for chicken.
• Foil: Provides easy clean-up and prevents sticking when roasting.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Pastry brush: For applying melted butter during roasting.

Cooking Method for Tandoori Chicken

• Flavor Preparation

Create a zesty marinade by blending aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. This initial bath will infuse the chicken with deep, complex flavors that promise an explosion of taste.

• Overnight Magic

Allow the chicken to rest and absorb the rich spice mixture in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the more intense and delicious the final dish becomes.

• Cooking Techniques

Choose between two exciting methods: oven roasting or outdoor grilling. Each approach delivers a unique texture and smoky essence that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.

• Temperature Perfection

Monitor the internal heat carefully to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked yet remains juicy and tender. The goal is a crispy exterior with a succulent interior that melts in your mouth.

• Serving Style

Present the tandoori chicken on a beautiful platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. The vibrant red color and enticing aroma will make everyone at the table excited to dig in.

Flavor Tips for Tandoori Chicken

• Crush whole spices instead of using ground for deeper, more authentic tandoori flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Adjust chile powder quantity to make the recipe mild, medium, or fiery hot depending on personal heat tolerance and preference.
• Pierce chicken deeply with a fork before marinating to help spices penetrate more effectively and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
• Try using a cast-iron skillet or smoker for unique charred results that mimic traditional tandoor oven characteristics without specialized equipment.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu, paneer, or vegetable chunks like cauliflower and bell peppers to create a delicious plant-based version of this classic recipe.

Tandoori Chicken Serving Guide

• Colorful Side Companions: Pair the tandoori chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious marinade juices.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Arrange chicken pieces on a vibrant ceramic plate, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of chaat masala for an authentic restaurant presentation.
• Cool Creamy Complement: Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber raita or mint yogurt sauce to balance the spicy, intense flavors of the tandoori chicken and provide a soothing contrast.
• Festive Feast Option: Create a complete Indian-inspired meal by adding saffron-infused rice, roasted vegetable sides like tandoori cauliflower, and a light salad with cucumber and tomatoes.

How to Store Tandoori Chicken Properly

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container at the back of the refrigerator, away from other foods. Keeps well for 2 days maximum before cooking.
• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare multiple chicken portions during weekend meal prep. Portion into individual containers for quick weeknight dinners or lunch meal planning.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Raw marinated chicken can be frozen up to 3 weeks. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place inside a sealed freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Leftover Love: Cooked tandoori chicken remains delicious for 3-4 days when stored in sealed containers. Reheat gently in oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Tandoori Chicken: Ingredient List

• Ginger: Adds zesty warmth and helps tenderize the chicken's texture.
• Garlic: Provides deep, robust flavor and enhances overall savory profile.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the marinade and helps break down protein fibers.
• Kosher Salt: Intensifies flavors and helps season the chicken thoroughly.

• Yogurt: Creates creamy base and helps chicken stay incredibly moist and tender.
• Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture to the marinade.
• Chile Powder: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant color to the dish.
• Mustard Oil: Brings sharp, pungent undertones and authentic South Asian character.
• Coriander, Cumin, Cardamom, Cinnamon: Blend of warming spices that create complex, aromatic layers.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and earthy background notes.
• Turmeric: Contributes golden color and subtle earthy flavor.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the entire spice profile.

• Butter: Adds golden browning and rich, silky finish to the chicken.

Authentic Tandoori Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling spices make this tandoori chicken a culinary masterpiece from Northern India. Marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, the dish offers bold flavors that will transport diners straight to authentic subcontinental cuisine.

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Ingredients

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• 1 whole chicken or chicken pieces
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) plain whole-milk Greek yogurt or hung curd
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) light cream, Amul cream, or ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) heavy cream plus 2 tbsps whole milk
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chile powder
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ medium lime
• 1 tbsp mustard seed oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (if roasting)
• Vegetable oil (if grilling)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Fusion: Blend ginger, garlic, and lime juice in a large mixing bowl, incorporating kosher salt to create a vibrant base flavor profile.
2. Chicken Preparation: Make strategic deep cuts into chicken pieces, allowing maximum marinade absorption, then fully immerse in the first marinade for one hour at room temperature.
3. Spice Symphony: Whisk yogurt with chile powder, mustard oil, ground coriander, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, and additional salt to craft a complex second marinade.
4. Flavor Infusion: Transfer chicken from initial marinade into the spice-laden yogurt mixture, thoroughly massaging to ensure complete flavor penetration. Refrigerate for minimum two hours.
5. Cooking Technique: Preheat oven to 400ºF or prepare grill at medium heat. For oven method, line baking sheet with foil and roast chicken for 15 minutes, then brush with melted butter.
6. Final Preparation: Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165ºF, ensuring succulent and perfectly cooked tandoori chicken. Grill enthusiasts can rotate pieces every 10 minutes for even cooking.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor Penetration: Create deep cuts in chicken to help marinades seep into meat, ensuring every bite bursts with rich, complex spices.
• Marinating Magic: Allow chicken to rest in first and second marinades for optimal taste absorption, with refrigeration enhancing depth of flavor and tenderness.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches exactly 165ºF, guaranteeing safe and juicy results.
• Cooking Flexibility: Choose between oven roasting or grilling based on your equipment and preference, with both methods delivering authentic tandoori-style chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg