Sundaland Recipes

Tandoori Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that originates from the colorful streets of India. A succulent pieces of chicken, marinated in a captivating blend of spices and yogurt, resulting in tender meat that is infused with a smoky, aromatic essence. 
The journey begins with the preparation of a vibrant marinade, where traditional Indian spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and aromatic garam masala come together in harmonious union. To elevate the flavor profile and lend a touch of tanginess, creamy yogurt is added, imparting a luscious texture that helps to tenderize the chicken.Once the chicken has luxuriously bathed in the marinade, it is left to rest, allowing the spices to permeate the meat and bestow their captivating flavors. Traditionally, Tandoori Chicken is cooked in a specially designed Tandoor clay oven, where the intense heat caramelizes the marinade, creating a tantalizing charred exterior while locking in the tender juiciness inside. However, fear not, as this delightful dish can be recreated using a conventional oven or even a grill, without losing its charm. 

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By:Sundaland Recipes Team
Author:

Prep Time:15 Minutes
Cook Time:30 Minutes
Suitable:Halal
Category:Meal
Origin:India, South Asia
Serving:4 Person
Tags:Luscious, Tenderize, Smoky

Nutrifacts:170 calories
  7 grams fat

Rating:4.3 

*Marinating time: 2-4 hours (or overnight)

The end result is a sight to behold - vibrant, ruby-red pieces of chicken adorned with dark, smoky edges that exude an irresistible aroma. The first bite reveals the harmony of flavors, as the robust spices intertwine with the succulent meat, delivering a symphony of sensations to your taste buds. The slight tang of yogurt complements the complexity of the spices, creating a perfectly balanced dish that will leave you longing for more. 

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or breast pieces (skinless)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Tandoori masala (available at specialty stores or online)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 2 teaspoons garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste
• For garnish:
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, Tandoori masala, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, chili powder, vegetable oil, and salt. Mix well until all the spices are well incorporated into the yogurt.
2. Make deep incisions on the chicken pieces using a sharp knife. This will help the marinade penetrate and flavor the meat. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and make sure they are coated evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the chicken cook evenly and allow excess marinade to drip off. Place the marinated chicken pieces onto the wire rack, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. If using a grill, cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until done.
6. Once the Tandoori Chicken is ready, remove it from the oven or grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.