Tandoori Chicken Recipe (Authentic Indian Grilled Chicken)

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Learn how to make authentic Tandoori Chicken at home with this easy Indian grilled chicken recipe. Juicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor – perfect for BBQs or oven grilling!

Ingredients

For the First Marinade:

1. 500g chicken (bone-in, skinless, leg quarters or drumsticks)

2. 1 tsp salt

3. 2 tbsp lemon juice

For the Second Marinade:

4. ½ cup thick plain yogurt (curd or Greek yogurt)

5. 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

6. 1½ tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color and mild heat)

7. ½ tsp turmeric powder

8. 1 tsp garam masala

9. 1 tsp cumin powder

10. 1 tbsp mustard oil (or vegetable oil)

11. Salt to taste

12. Optional: A pinch of orange-red food color (for traditional color)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces.

2. Make deep slits in the chicken using a sharp knife to help the marinade penetrate.

Step 2: First Marinade

3. Mix lemon juice and salt.

4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, into the slits as well.

5. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.

Step 3: Second Marinade

6. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, mustard oil, and food color.

7. Mix well into a thick paste.

8. Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade.

9. Cover and refrigerate for 6–8 hours (or overnight for best flavor).

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Option 1 – Oven Method:
10. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
11. Place chicken on a wire rack over a tray.
12. Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through.
13. Broil/grill for the last 5 minutes for a charred effect.

Option 2 – Grill/BBQ:
14. Preheat the grill.
15. Cook chicken on medium heat for 20–25 minutes, turning frequently until cooked and slightly charred.

Serving Suggestion

• Serve hot with lemon wedges, onion rings, and mint chutney.

• Can be paired with naan, roti, or even rice.

Cooking Tips

• Use Kashmiri chili powder for vibrant red color without too much heat.

• Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.

• For extra smokiness, use the “dhungar method”: heat a piece of charcoal, place it in a small bowl in the marinated chicken, add ghee, cover tightly for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 290

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 17g

• Carbs: 3g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 650mg