Tandoori Chicken

Name: Tandoori Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
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 fresh ginger (minced); 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

Published: July 3, 2025

by Emilia

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This Tandoori Chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. With a rich, spiced yogurt marinade, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering. The robust flavors and crispy texture make it a crowd-pleaser, while being keto-friendly and low carb ensures it fits into various dietary plans.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Marinade: Infused with spices and yogurt, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and tasty.
Easy to Prepare: Simple steps mean you can whip up this dish without fuss.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair with rice, salad, or enjoy on its own for a nutritious meal.
Health-Conscious Choice: Low in carbs and high in protein; it’s great for keto diets.
Impressive Presentation: The charred bits add an appealing look that impresses guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Foil or parchment paper
Wire rack (optional)
Mixing bowl
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Baking Sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for cooking chicken evenly.
Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining marinade ingredients thoroughly.
Tongs: Help handle the chicken without making a mess or burning fingers.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
1 lime, juiced (1-2 tablespoons)
3/4 teaspoon table salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Marinade

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

How to Make Tandoori Chicken

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Rub salt, pepper, and lime juice over all surfaces of the chicken thighs; set aside. Stir together all marinade ingredients in a large bowl until well-mixed. Add chicken thighs to the bowl one at a time, using tongs to stir them around until smeared with marinade before adding another. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours.

Step 2: Prepare

Position the oven rack in the center of the oven. Turn on the broiler, setting it to high. If broiler is not available, plan to bake instead by preheating the oven to 450°F. Prepare baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, optionally fitted with a greased wire rack. Use tongs to transfer marinade-covered chicken thighs to the baking sheet, spreading each thigh out flat without touching others. Discard excess marinade in bowl.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook until chicken appears mostly dry on top with a few blackened tips (15 to 20 minutes). Remove the baking sheet, flip chicken thighs over, and return them to the oven. Cook until chicken appears dry and is cooked through (about 10 minutes), monitoring frequently to avoid burning. Serve hot!

How to Serve Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a standalone meal or with accompaniments, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

With Naan Bread

Freshly Baked Naan: Serve warm naan bread alongside for a traditional Indian experience, perfect for scooping up chicken pieces.
Garlic Naan: Enhance the flavor by offering garlic naan, which pairs wonderfully with the spices of the chicken.

With Rice

Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice complements the spices of Tandoori Chicken and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Add a refreshing twist with cilantro lime rice, bringing brightness to your plate.

With Salads

Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based salad helps balance the heat of the spices in Tandoori Chicken.
Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad adds texture and nutrition to your meal, making it more filling.

As Wraps

Tandoori Chicken Wraps: Use flatbreads or tortillas to create wraps filled with sliced Tandoori Chicken and fresh veggies for an easy, on-the-go meal.
Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, wrap pieces of chicken in crisp lettuce leaves with a drizzle of yogurt sauce.

How to Perfect Tandoori Chicken

To achieve the best Tandoori Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh boneless skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor.
Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 12 hours enhances its taste and tenderness significantly.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks to prevent burning; each oven varies slightly.
Use High Heat: Broiling at high heat gives that desirable charred effect reminiscent of traditional tandoor cooking.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Tandoori Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Tandoori Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Mint Chutney: A refreshing mint chutney adds a burst of flavor that complements the spices in the chicken.
Vegetable Samosas: Crispy vegetable samosas provide a delightful crunch and can be served as appetizers or snacks.
Dal Makhani: Creamy lentils cooked with butter create a rich side that balances well with spicy dishes like Tandoori Chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate while enhancing the meal’s overall appeal.
Onion Salad: A simple onion salad with lemon juice provides acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Pulao Rice: Flavored rice cooked with spices offers another layer of taste and complements the bold flavors of Tandoori Chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Tandoori Chicken can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Marinade Neglect: Skipping the marinade or not marinating long enough can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least 6 hours for the best flavor infusion.
Wrong Oven Settings: Using the wrong oven setting can result in uneven cooking. Always broil on high or bake at 450°F for optimal results.
Overcrowding the Pan: Placing chicken thighs too close together will inhibit even cooking and browning. Ensure they are spread out on the baking sheet.
Ignoring Internal Temperature: Not checking the internal temperature can lead to undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F when done.
Forgetting to Discard Marinade: Using leftover marinade on cooked chicken can cause food safety issues. Always discard excess marinade before cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Tandoori Chicken in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Tandoori Chicken

Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
Frozen Tandoori Chicken lasts up to 3 months.

Reheating Tandoori Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
Stovetop: Place chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Tandoori Chicken.

What is Tandoori Chicken?

Tandoori Chicken is a popular Indian dish made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices before cooking it at high temperatures, resulting in flavorful, tender meat.

Can I use different cuts of chicken for Tandoori Chicken?

Yes, you can use various cuts like drumsticks or wings. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for smaller pieces.

Is Tandoori Chicken spicy?

The spice level can vary based on personal preference. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper used in the marinade to control heat.

How do I make Tandoori Chicken without a tandoor?

You can easily make Tandoori Chicken in your regular oven by using high heat and broiling techniques.

Final Thoughts

Tandoori Chicken is an incredible dish that combines bold flavors with a satisfying texture. It’s versatile, allowing for customization with different spices or side dishes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious taste of Indian cuisine at home!

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