Tandoori Chicken
If you’re looking to spice up your dinner table, tandoori chicken is the perfect dish to try. This traditional Indian recipe features succulent chicken marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices before being cooked to perfection in a tandoor or an oven. The result is a smoky, flavorful chicken that’s both tender and juicy, making it a favorite among food lovers. Let’s dive into the details to create this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients
– 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Fresh coriander for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, and cooking time is 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of tandoori chicken (approximately 250g) contains about 350 calories, 25g of protein, 15g of fat, 5g of carbohydrates, and 2g of fiber. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly and patting them dry.
2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, oil, salt, and chili powder.
3. Coat the chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring they are well covered.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
5. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.
7. Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
8. Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
9. For a smoky flavor, broil for an additional 5 minutes until charred.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute plain yogurt with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option. For a spicier flavor, add more chili powder or fresh green chilies to the marinade.
Serving and Pairings
Tandoori chicken pairs beautifully with naan, basmati rice, or a fresh salad. A side of mint chutney and sliced onions enhances the flavors and adds freshness to the dish.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover tandoori chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not marinating long enough for full flavor.
- Skipping the preheating step of the oven.
- Overcrowding the baking tray, leading to uneven cooking.
- Using low-fat yogurt, which may not yield the same taste.
- Not checking for doneness, resulting in undercooked chicken.
Helpful Tips
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
- For extra smokiness, add a piece of charcoal while cooking.
- Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
What is tandoori chicken?
Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices, then cooking it in a tandoor (a traditional clay oven) or an oven until it’s flavorful and juicy.
How spicy is tandoori chicken?
The spice level of tandoori chicken can be adjusted based on personal preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder used in the marinade.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and become dry if overcooked. Consider adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make tandoori chicken in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat the air fryer and cook the marinated chicken for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Is tandoori chicken healthy?
Tandoori chicken is relatively healthy as it is marinated with yogurt and spices, making it lower in fat compared to fried options. It is also high in protein.
Conclusion
Tandoori chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine to your table. With its rich spices and tender meat, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of tradition!
Tandoori Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, oil, salt, and chili powder.
- Coat the chicken pieces with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack.
- Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Broil for an additional 5 minutes until charred.
- Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
