Tandoori Chicken Indian Spiced (Printable)
Tender spiced chicken with smoky charred edges, marinated in fragrant Indian spices
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 large chicken thighs or drumsticks (approximately 1.75 pounds), skinless
→ Marinade
02 - 7 ounces plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
06 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
07 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
08 - 1 ½ teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder or mild paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
10 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Garnish
13 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Make deep diagonal cuts across each chicken piece using a sharp knife to allow marinade penetration into the meat fibers.
02 - Combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and vegetable oil in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth and evenly incorporated.
03 - Submerge chicken pieces in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coating. Cover container and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, preferably overnight for optimal flavor absorption.
04 - Preheat oven to 430°F or prepare grill to medium-high heat setting.
05 - Place marinated chicken on wire rack positioned over baking sheet for oven cooking, or arrange directly on grill grates for outdoor preparation.
06 - Roast or grill chicken for 30-35 minutes, turning pieces halfway through cooking time. Continue until internal temperature reaches safe levels, edges show charring, and juices run clear when pierced.
07 - Remove from heat, sprinkle generously with chopped fresh cilantro, and present immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The yogurt marinade makes the chicken incredibly tender, almost falling off the bone
- You get restaurant quality flavor at home with ingredients you probably already have
02 -
- Pat the chicken semi dry before marinating, too much moisture prevents proper charring
- The yogurt will look curdled when it hits the heat, this is completely normal and expected
03 -
- Bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking for even results
- Line your baking tray with foil for easier cleanup