Description
Authentic Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful Indian dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a blend of yogurt and traditional spices like cumin, garam masala, and smoked paprika, then oven-baked to perfection with a slightly charred finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 inch ginger (minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken quarters (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced ginger, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, garam masala, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and plain yogurt. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Marinate the chicken: Pat dry the chicken pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Set marination time: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to one day to let the flavors infuse deeply, or alternatively let it sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes if short on time.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and prepare two wire racks lined with tin foil to catch drippings.
- Arrange chicken for baking: Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and gently shake off excess. Place them spaced out on the wire racks to allow heat circulation and even cooking.
- Bake the chicken: Cook for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken edges begin to char lightly and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices, then serve warm for an authentic tandoori experience.
Notes
- This recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken that mimics restaurant-style tandoori with minimal effort.
- The smoked paprika adds an authentic smoky flavor that is signature to tandoori dishes.
- Marinating longer boosts flavor penetration but the quick 10-minute option works well if pressed for time.
- Baking on wire racks helps achieve that signature slight char and juicy interior.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure food safety without overcooking.
- Serve with fresh naan or a side of cucumber raita to balance the spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 89 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
