Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Tandoori chicken is a flavorful and aromatic Indian dish featuring marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection. This recipe uses a blend of spices and yogurt to create tender, juicy meat with a smoky char. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 (7-ounce) container plain Greek yogurt
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rub the chicken with salt, pepper, and lime juice. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne. Add the chicken to the bowl and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Step 2: Preheat the broiler or oven to high (450°F). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the sheet without overlapping to ensure even cooking.
3. Step 3: Broil the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes until the top appears dry with some charred edges. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes until fully cooked through and juicy.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of broiling, turning occasionally.
• Substitute plain Greek yogurt with regular yogurt if preferred, but drain excess water for thicker marinade.
• Adjust cayenne to control the spiciness to your taste.
• Serve with fresh cilantro and a side of cooling cucumber raita for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover cooked tandoori chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist and avoid drying it out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken can be used but may require longer cooking time to ensure it is cooked through.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

Marinating for at least 6 hours is recommended, but up to 24 hours will deepen the flavor and tenderness.

Tandoori Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 133 reviews

This classic Tandoori Chicken recipe features boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty yogurt and spice mixture, then broiled to perfection to achieve a smoky charred exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Perfect for a delicious Indian-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare at home.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 6-24 hours marinating)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes to 24 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Marinade

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 lime, juiced
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 (7-ounce) container plain Greek yogurt
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, and lime juice. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
2. Prepare for Cooking: When ready to cook, preheat your broiler or oven to high heat, approximately 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch drippings and ease cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap to ensure even cooking.
3. Cook Chicken: Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler. Broil the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes, monitoring closely until the tops are dry with some charred edges that mimic traditional tandoori cooking. Flip the chicken pieces carefully and continue broiling for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

• Marinating for the full 24 hours will yield the most flavorful and tender chicken.
• Using boneless thighs ensures juicy meat and faster cooking, but bone-in can be used with adjusted cooking time.
• If a broiler is not available, this recipe can be baked at 450°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve with naan bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to suit desired spice level.

Keywords: Tandoori Chicken, Indian Chicken Recipe, Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Broiled Chicken, Spicy Chicken