Tandoori Chicken Indian Spiced (Print Version)
Tender, yogurt-marinated chicken with aromatic Indian spices, roasted until perfectly charred and juicy.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs and drumsticks
→ Marinade
02 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
05 - 1 tbsp garlic paste (about 4 cloves)
06 - 1 tbsp ginger paste (about 2-inch piece)
07 - 2 tsp ground coriander
08 - 2 tsp ground cumin
09 - 2 tsp garam masala
10 - 1.5 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (or mild paprika for less heat)
11 - 1 tsp turmeric powder
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
→ Garnish & Serving
14 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - Lemon wedges
16 - Fresh cilantro leaves
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Using a sharp knife, score the chicken pieces with shallow cuts to help the marinade penetrate.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined.
03 - Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
04 - Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
05 - Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the rack, shaking off excess marinade. Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
06 - For authentic smokiness, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end, or grill over hot coals for a few minutes per side.
07 - Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with red onion, lemon wedges, and cilantro. Serve hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary with minimal effort
- That gorgeous red char makes you look like a cooking show host without any fancy techniques
02 -
- Overnight marinating is ideal but 6 hours is the absolute minimum for flavor penetration
- The wire rack is crucial for air circulation and that authentic tandoor style char all around
03 -
- Let the chicken come to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking for more even results
- Skip the broiler step if your chicken is already browning too quickly in the oven