Tandoori chicken is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that is often served as an appetizer or main course. The dish is prepared by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices and then roasting it in a traditional tandoor oven. While cooking tandoori chicken can seem daunting, it is actually quite simple and can be made at home with a few key ingredients and tools.
Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds of chicken (thighs, drumsticks or a whole chicken)
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon red chili powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Tools:
Large mixing bowl
Tandoor oven or grill
Skewers
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and vegetable oil.
Add the salt, paprika, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and red chili powder to the yogurt mixture and stir until well combined.
Cut the chicken into desired pieces (thighs, drumsticks or a whole chicken) and add it to the marinade. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Preheat the tandoor oven or grill to high heat. If using a grill, make sure it is well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread onto the skewers.
Place the skewers in the tandoor oven or on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
Remove the chicken from the skewers and serve with a side of naan bread and a fresh salad.
Tips:
If you don’t have a tandoor oven, you can also cook the chicken in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead of bone-in chicken for a healthier option.
For a smoky flavor, add a few pieces of charcoal to the tandoor oven or grill and cook the chicken with the lid closed.
Garnish the tandoori chicken with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
Conclusion:
Tandoori chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make at home with a few key ingredients and tools. The key to making great tandoori chicken is in the marinade, so make sure you let the chicken marinate for at least a few hours to ensure that it is packed with flavor. Whether you cook it in a tandoor oven or on a grill, tandoori chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next dinner party or gathering.
