Tandoori Chicken Recipe – Flavorful and Succulent
Tandoori chicken, a beloved dish from Indian cuisine, is known for its aromatic spices, tender meat, and crispy exterior. It’s perfect for a hearty meal, whether served with rice pilaf or on a bed of fresh salad. Follow this simple yet authentic recipe for a homemade tandoori chicken that brings a taste of India right to your table.
Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (legs or thighs) | 1 kg |
| Natural plain yogurt | 150 g |
| Tandoori paste | 100 g |
| Ginger and garlic paste | 10 g |
| Curry powder | 2 g |
| Lemon juice | ½ lemon |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Instructions for Preparing Tandoori Chicken:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Start by removing the skin from the chicken pieces (legs and thighs work best for this recipe, but you can use breasts or wings if preferred). To do this, simply pull the skin off carefully, ensuring you don’t tear the meat. Once the skin is removed, place the chicken in a large, shallow container or a dish that allows the chicken to be fully covered by the marinade. -
Make the Marinade:
In a separate bowl, combine the tandoori paste and ginger-garlic paste. These ingredients, often available in ethnic stores, provide the rich, traditional flavor that tandoori dishes are known for. Add the natural plain yogurt to the mixture, ensuring it blends smoothly with the pastes. Then, stir in the curry powder, which adds a warm, earthy flavor to the marinade. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the mixture, infusing it with a zesty touch. Finally, season the marinade with fine salt to taste, ensuring it’s well-balanced. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, making sure each piece is generously coated. The chicken should be submerged in the marinade, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to allow the spices to infuse deeply into the chicken. This marination period is key to achieving the authentic tandoori flavor and tender texture. -
Cooking the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) for a static oven or 200°C (390°F) for a fan-assisted oven. Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to avoid sticking. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or 35 minutes in a fan oven. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. The skin should be crisp and slightly charred, and the meat will be moist and flavorful. Serve the tandoori chicken on a platter with a side of fresh salad or over a bed of aromatic rice pilaf to complete the meal. The tangy marinade and smoky flavor of the chicken will surely impress your guests.
This tandoori chicken recipe is perfect for a family dinner, gathering, or a weekend treat. The rich, complex flavors paired with the crisp texture of the chicken make it a standout dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Enjoy the bold flavors and aromatic spices of tandoori chicken from the comfort of your own kitchen!
