Smoky Tandoori Chicken
Tired of waiting for your favorite tandoori chicken at the restaurant?
Now, you don’t have to! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring that smoky, charred goodness straight to your kitchen.
In just a few simple steps, you’ll have juicy, perfectly spiced chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
It’s so good, you’ll never want to order out again!
For Tandoori Chicken:
- Chicken – Skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks work best for this recipe as they stay juicy and tender when cooked.
- Greek Yogurt (Hung Curd) – This thick yogurt helps create the rich, creamy marinade that clings to the chicken.
- Ginger Garlic Paste – A key flavor base for tandoori chicken, giving it a bold, aromatic flavor.
- Garam Masala – A warm blend of spices that gives tandoori chicken its signature depth and complexity.
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder – Adds color and a mild heat to the dish.
- Black Pepper – Adds a touch of heat and sharpness.
- Coriander Powder – Adds a citrusy, earthy flavor to balance the spices.
- Cumin Powder – Contributes a warm, nutty flavor to the marinade.
- Sea Salt – Enhances the flavors in the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Turmeric – Adds color and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) – A must for that unique, smoky flavor.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the yogurt.
- Oil – Helps in coating the chicken and achieving a crispy texture while baking.
- Chopped Coriander Leaves – For garnishing the cooked chicken, adding a fresh and herbal note.
For Red Chili Oil:
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder – Adds color and flavor to the oil for basting the chicken.
- Oil – Neutral oil like avocado, grapeseed, or mustard oil, used to make the chili oil.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred because they stay juicier. If you go with breasts, just keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.
- Do I really need to marinate the chicken for 6 hours?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate for at least 6 hours. But if you’re in a hurry, 2 hours will still work! The longer you marinate, the more the flavors will soak in.
- Can I cook the chicken on the grill?
Yes! If you prefer grilling, it’s a great option. Preheat your grill and cook the marinated chicken on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until perfectly cooked.
- Is it necessary to use the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)?
Kasuri methi gives the tandoori chicken its signature smoky and slightly bitter flavor. But if you don’t have it, you can skip it or substitute with a small pinch of dried oregano for a slightly different taste.
- Can I make this recipe without an oven?
Totally! You can also air fry or pan-fry the chicken. For air frying, cook the chicken at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s super easy and still delivers that delicious tandoori flavor!