Tandoori Chicken Recipe

🔥 Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins
Marinate Time: 4–8 hours (overnight best)
Cook Time: 30–35 mins
Serves: 4–5

Ingredients

For Chicken:

• 6–8 chicken drumsticks (or bone-in thighs)
• 1 tbsp oil (for brushing/grilling)

1st Marinade (basic prep):

• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp turmeric

2nd Marinade (main flavor):

• ½ cup thick yogurt (hung curd preferred)
• 1½ tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Few drops of red food color (optional, for restaurant-style look)

1. Prep the Chicken:
Make deep slits in the chicken pieces for better marinade absorption.

2. First Marinade:
Rub chicken with lemon juice, salt, and turmeric. Set aside for 15–20 minutes.

3. Second Marinade:
Mix all ingredients of the second marinade into a smooth paste. Coat chicken thoroughly and let it marinate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight in the fridge.

4. Cooking Options:

Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F).
• Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.
• Arrange chicken and bake for 25–30 mins, turning and basting with oil halfway. Broil/grill last 5 mins for char.

Grill Method:

• Preheat your grill.
• Cook chicken on medium-high heat, turning occasionally and brushing with oil until cooked and slightly charred.

Stovetop Method:

• Heat a grill pan or skillet.
• Cook covered on low-medium heat, flipping occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly crisped.

🌿 To Serve:

• Onion rings
• Lemon wedges
• Mint chutney or yogurt raita
• Sprinkle with chaat masala for that desi zing!