Tandoori Chicken Recipe: Aromatic Delights of India

Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its smoky, charred flavor and aromatic spices. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven, this recipe can be easily recreated at home using an oven or grill. Here’s how to prepare this mouthwatering tandoori chicken at home:

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken leg quarters (drumsticks and thighs)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Skewers (if grilling)

For the Marinade:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and salt. Mix the ingredients well to form a smooth paste.
2. Make Deep Cuts: Use a sharp knife to make deep cuts in the chicken pieces. This will allow the marinade to penetrate and flavor the meat more effectively.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken pieces evenly with the marinade, making sure to get the mixture into the cuts. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight for the best results.

For Cooking:

4. Oven Method:
   • Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting (typically 500°F or 260°C) or use the broiler function.
   • Place a wire rack on a baking sheet to allow excess marinade to drip off.
   • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers (optional).
   • Place the chicken on the wire rack and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, turning it once to ensure even cooking. You can also use the broiler to get a charred finish.
5. Grilling Method:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
   • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
   • Grill the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a nicely charred exterior.
6. Serve: Serve the tandoori chicken hot, garnished with lemon wedges, onion rings, and fresh coriander. It’s often served with naan bread or rice and accompanied by mint chutney or yogurt raita.

Tandoori chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you cook it in your oven or on the grill, its signature smoky flavor and spice-infused tenderness make it a true Indian culinary delight. Enjoy the rich flavors of tandoori chicken right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

also read :

Chicken Tikka Recipe : A Flavorful Indian Delight