Authentic Indian Tandoori Chicken
Experience the vibrant flavors of India with this Authentic Indian Tandoori Chicken recipe. Marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, yogurt, and fresh ingredients, this dish highlights traditional culinary techniques that bring out the best in the chicken. The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper and more complex the flavors become, making it perfect for special occasions or family dinners. Serve it with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro for a delightful finish. Enjoy a taste of India right from your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken
2 lbs (cut into pieces, skin removed)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
lemon
1 (juiced for marinade)
plain yogurt
1 1/4 cups (for marinade)
onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
fresh gingerroot
1 teaspoon (grated)
garam masala
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (for heat)
yellow food coloring
1 teaspoon (for color)
red food coloring
1 teaspoon (for color)
cilantro
2 teaspoons (finely chopped, for garnish)
lemon
1 (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the skin from the chicken pieces and making several slits in each piece to allow for better absorption of the marinade.
2
Place the chicken in a shallow dish and sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes to enhance flavor.
3
Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
4
Add the yellow and red food coloring to the yogurt mixture and stir well to achieve a vibrant color. This step is crucial for the signature tandoori look.
5
Cover the chicken in the yogurt marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, or ideally 24 hours, to maximize flavor infusion.
6
When ready to cook, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
7
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and place it on the grill.
8
Cook the chicken pieces for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are fully cooked, no longer pink inside, and the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
9
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Indian Tandoori Chicken?
It is a traditional Indian dish where chicken is marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt and spices, then grilled to achieve a vibrant color and complex flavor profile.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
The chicken should be marinated for a minimum of 6 hours, but ideally for 24 hours to maximize flavor infusion and tenderness.
What are the primary ingredients in the Tandoori marinade?
The marinade consists of plain yogurt, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, garam masala, and cayenne pepper.
Why do I need to remove the skin from the chicken?
Removing the skin allows the marinade to be absorbed directly into the meat and helps achieve the traditional texture of Tandoori chicken.
What is the purpose of making slits in the chicken pieces?
Making slits in the meat ensures better absorption of the spices and yogurt marinade, leading to a more flavorful dish.
How should I prepare the chicken before adding the yogurt marinade?
Sprinkle both sides of the skinless chicken with salt and fresh lemon juice, then let it rest for 20 minutes to enhance the base flavor.
What gives Tandoori Chicken its signature vibrant color?
The signature red and orange color is achieved by adding yellow and red food coloring to the yogurt mixture.
At what temperature should the grill be set?
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat for the best cooking results.
How long does the chicken take to cook on the grill?
The chicken typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to cook, depending on the size of the pieces and the heat of the grill.
What is the safe internal temperature for cooked Tandoori chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius.
How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill grate before placing the marinated chicken on it to prevent sticking.
What garnishes are recommended for this dish?
Garnish the finished chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor.
How many calories are in one serving of this Tandoori chicken?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe provides 24 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, this dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, containing only 5 grams per serving.
How much fat is in this Tandoori chicken recipe?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
What type of yogurt is best for the marinade?
The recipe specifies using 1 and 1/4 cups of plain yogurt for the marinade base.
How much chicken does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of chicken cut into pieces.
Which spices provide the heat in this dish?
Cayenne pepper is used to add heat to the Tandoori marinade.
Can I use fresh ginger for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of grated fresh gingerroot.
What role does Garam Masala play in the recipe?
Garam Masala provides a warm, aromatic spice profile that is essential to authentic Indian flavors.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 1 minced garlic clove for the marinade.
How do I know the chicken is done without a thermometer?
The chicken should no longer be pink inside and the juices should run clear when pierced.
Should I keep the excess marinade on the chicken when grilling?
No, you should allow the excess marinade to drip off before placing the chicken on the grill.
How much food coloring should be used?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of yellow food coloring and 1 teaspoon of red food coloring.
How much onion is used in the marinade?
Use 1/2 of an onion, finely chopped, to mix into the yogurt marinade.
Is it necessary to turn the chicken while grilling?
Yes, you should turn the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Should the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill helps keep it juicy.
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
While fresh squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used if fresh is unavailable.
How much salt is needed for the initial seasoning?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of salt to season the chicken initially.