Authentic Oven-Baked Tandoori Chicken Delight
Elevate your dining experience with this Authentic Oven-Baked Tandoori Chicken Delight, inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of Indian cooking. This recipe combines a luscious, tangy yogurt marinade enriched with a medley of aromatic spices, ensuring every bite is infused with rich taste. Perfectly cooked in your home oven, this dish captures the essence of restaurant-style tandoori chicken without the need for a tandoor. With a harmonious blend of spices and a hint of smokiness, this chicken is not only unforgettable but also incredibly easy to prepare. Ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, serve it alongside soft naan, fragrant basmati rice, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal. This dish has won the hearts of reviewers in San Francisco, and it promises to be a showstopper at your table, providing a delicious taste of India right at home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plain yogurt
1 cup (either whole or skim-milk)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Allspice
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (fresh coarse ground)
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (ground)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
2 teaspoons
Smoked paprika
1 teaspoon
Garlic
1 tablespoon (finely minced)
Thai chili paste
1 tablespoon (with garlic (optional, but recommended))
Chicken
12 pieces (6 pc drumsticks and 6 pc boneless or bone-in thighs, or equivalent)
Raw onion
3 slices (separated into rings, for garnish)
Lemon
1/2 (cut into slices, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt and lemon juice, stirring until blended.
2
Add all the spices including allspice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, salt, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and Thai chili paste to the yogurt mixture. Whisk until the marinade is smooth and thick.
3
Divide the chicken pieces into two zip-lock bags, ensuring 6 pieces are in each bag, and pour half of the marinade into each bag. Seal the bags and massage until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
4
Remove excess air from the bags, seal tightly, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken. For best results, marinate overnight.
5
Turn the bags occasionally to ensure even marination.
6
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large roasting pan with foil and place a rack over it to allow for air circulation.
7
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the rack, spacing them apart. Use any remaining marinade to brush over the chicken.
8
Once the oven is ready, place the chicken in the oven. Cook for 30 minutes without opening the door. After 30 minutes, flip the chicken pieces and continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes until they are slightly charred and cooked through. For chicken breasts, check for doneness by piercing with a skewer; the juices should run clear.
9
After cooking, turn off the oven and let the chicken rest inside for 20-30 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time.
10
Carefully remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a warm serving platter. Garnish with onion rings and lemon slices before serving.
11
Enjoy your delightful homemade tandoori chicken with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Authentic Oven-Baked Tandoori Chicken Delight?
It is a restaurant-style Indian chicken dish made in a home oven using a yogurt and spice marinade.
What types of chicken pieces are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 6 drumsticks and 6 thighs, either boneless or bone-in.
How long should I marinate the tandoori chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Can I use skim-milk yogurt for the marinade?
Yes, you can use either whole or skim-milk plain yogurt for this recipe.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
Is Thai chili paste necessary for this recipe?
While optional, Thai chili paste with garlic is highly recommended for added depth and heat.
How do I achieve a smoky flavor without a tandoor oven?
The use of smoked paprika and high-heat roasting helps simulate the traditional smoky tandoor flavor.
What should I serve with Tandoori Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with soft naan, fragrant basmati rice, or a fresh cucumber salad.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be slightly charred, and for breasts, the juices should run clear when pierced with a skewer.
Why must the chicken rest in the oven after cooking?
Resting for 20-30 minutes with the oven off allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result.
Should I open the oven door while the chicken is resting?
No, do not open the oven door during the 20-30 minute resting period.
How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?
Place a rack over a foil-lined roasting pan to allow for proper air circulation while baking.
What spices are included in the tandoori marinade?
The marinade includes allspice, black pepper, cayenne, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, salt, and smoked paprika.
How many pieces of chicken does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed for 12 pieces of chicken.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but monitor them closely to ensure they do not dry out.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice in the marinade?
Lemon juice acts as a tenderizer and adds a tangy brightness to the flavor profile.
How should I garnish the finished dish?
Garnish with fresh onion rings and lemon slices for an authentic presentation.
Do I need to flip the chicken during baking?
Yes, flip the chicken pieces after the first 30 minutes of roasting.
Can I marinate the chicken for less than 12 hours?
While you can, the flavor and tenderness will not be as deep as a 12-24 hour marination.
What type of black pepper should I use?
Freshly coarse ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor impact.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a moderate kick from the cayenne pepper and Thai chili paste, which can be adjusted to your preference.
Why use zip-lock bags for marinating?
Bags allow you to massage the marinade into the meat and ensure even coating with less cleanup.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely minced garlic.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice is a suitable substitute if lemon juice is unavailable.
What is the total roasting time?
The chicken roasts for about 40 to 45 minutes total.
Is the chicken skinless or skin-on?
Tandoori chicken is typically prepared skinless to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat directly.
Can I prepare this on a grill?
Yes, this marinade works excellent for outdoor grilling, though the oven instructions provide a reliable indoor method.
What is the benefit of the foil lining?
Lining the roasting pan with foil makes cleanup much easier by catching drippings.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Yes, the chicken stays flavorful and can be reheated for meals throughout the week.
Why are onion rings used as a garnish?
Raw onion rings provide a crisp texture and sharp contrast to the rich, spiced chicken.