Authentic Indian Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Culinary World Tour: India Episode 2 – Flavorful Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is a traditional Indian dish where chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt and aromatic spices, then cooked in a tandoor oven or over charcoal. It boasts a vibrant red hue but is not spicy, making it an accessible chicken dish for many. While I personally believe Korean fried chicken reigns supreme, Tandoori chicken has a surprisingly addictive quality that grows on you. Let’s prepare this for lunch today, timed perfectly for the kids’ return from school! I need to head to the mart to grab some vegan yogurt and garam masala for my high school senior.
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks or thighs
- Cumin powder
- Chili powder
- Coriander powder
- Turmeric powder
- Black pepper
- Plain yogurt (unsweetened, vegan yogurt can be used)
- Salt
- Garam masala
- Paprika powder
- Minced garlic
- Minced ginger
- Vegetable oil (e.g., canola, grapeseed)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the chicken pieces under running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. To ensure the marinade penetrates deeply, make several deep slashes (about 2-3 cm) into the chicken flesh with a knife or skewer.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tbsp paprika powder, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp minced ginger, and 1 cup of plain yogurt. Add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and 1 tsp of coarse salt. Mix everything thoroughly until a smooth, aromatic marinade is formed, ensuring there are no lumps of spices.
Step 3
Add the prepared chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well with your hands, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently work the marinade into the cuts you made on the chicken. It’s a good idea to taste a small amount of the marinade to adjust salt levels according to your preference. If it tastes too bland, add a little more salt. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4
Heat a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the marinated chicken pieces onto the hot pan and sear them on both sides until lightly browned. This initial searing helps to lock in the juices and create a delicious crust. Use a knife or skewer to poke holes into the thicker parts of the chicken, which will help it cook more evenly.
Step 5
Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken directly into a preheated oven (set to 180°C / 350°F). The cooking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of the chicken pieces, but generally, bake for about 40-50 minutes. For an extra layer of flavor and moisture, you can thinly slice an onion and place it on the bottom of the pan before adding the chicken. Check the chicken towards the end of baking to ensure it’s cooked through and has a beautiful, caramelized color.
