Flavorful Tandoori Chicken Delight
Inspired by Nighat Hassan's simple yet exquisite Tandoori Chicken from Food Safari, this recipe transforms tender chicken thighs into a vibrant and aromatic dish that's perfect for any occasion. Marinated in a rich blend of yogurt, spices, and herbs, this chicken is baked to perfection in your oven, capturing the essence of traditional Pakistani flavors. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavors become—allowing the chicken to absorb the spices deeply. Serve it alongside fragrant steamed rice, a refreshing salad of tomatoes and lettuce, a dollop of creamy yogurt sprinkled with cumin, and for an extra burst of flavor, a traditional Pakistani Mint Sauce. Enjoy this savory dish with friends and family for an unforgettable dining experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thigh
1 kg (Bone-in, skinless recommended)
natural yoghurt
200 g (Plain, unsweetened)
fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (Grated finely)
garlic
1 tablespoon (Grated finely)
tandoori paste
1 tablespoon (Store-bought or homemade)
tandoori color powder
1/2 teaspoon (Optional food coloring)
cumin seeds
2 teaspoons (Ground)
ground coriander
2 teaspoons (Ground)
garam masala
1 teaspoon (Ground)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (To taste)
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (Adjust according to spice preference)
turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon (For coloring and flavor)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural yogurt, freshly grated ginger, garlic, tandoori paste, food color (if using), ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, salt, chili powder, and turmeric powder. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
2
Take the chicken thighs and rub the marinade all over the pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated in the flavorful mixture.
3
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken into a zip-lock bag, sealing it well. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours, but ideally, allow it to marinate for up to two days for the best flavor.
4
Once marinated, preheat your oven to its highest setting. Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes.
5
After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 120°C (248°F) and continue cooking the chicken until it becomes tender and fully cooked through.
6
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Plate the chicken with steamed rice, a fresh salad, and add a generous dollop of yogurt topped with a sprinkle of cumin powder. Garnish with a mint leaf for an extra touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavorful Tandoori Chicken Delight?
It is a vibrant and aromatic Pakistani-inspired dish made from tender chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of yogurt, spices, and herbs, then baked to perfection.
Who inspired this Tandoori Chicken recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Nighat Hassan's simple yet exquisite Tandoori Chicken from the show Food Safari.
What cut of chicken should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1 kg of bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for the best results.
What is the recommended marination time?
The chicken should marinate for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, it can be left in the refrigerator for up to two days.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
The marinade consists of natural yogurt, fresh ginger, garlic, tandoori paste, optional food coloring, cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, chili powder, and turmeric.
What type of yogurt is best for this recipe?
You should use 200g of plain, unsweetened natural yogurt.
How should the ginger and garlic be prepared?
Both the ginger and garlic should be finely grated before being added to the marinade.
Is food coloring necessary for Tandoori Chicken?
No, the tandoori color powder is optional and used mainly for the traditional vibrant red appearance.
What is the first step of the cooking process?
After marinating, preheat your oven to its highest setting and bake the chicken on a tray lined with parchment paper for 20 minutes.
At what temperature should the chicken finish cooking?
After the initial 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 120°C (248°F) and continue cooking until the chicken is tender.
Should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure it stays juicy.
What side dishes are recommended with this chicken?
It is best served alongside fragrant steamed rice and a fresh salad of tomatoes and lettuce.
How do I serve the yogurt accompaniment?
Serve it with a dollop of creamy yogurt sprinkled with a bit of cumin powder.
What is a good sauce to pair with this dish?
A traditional Pakistani Mint Sauce is highly recommended for an extra burst of flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe contains chili powder and tandoori paste; you can adjust the chili powder according to your spice preference.
Can I use store-bought tandoori paste?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade tandoori paste.
What is the purpose of turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric is used for both its distinct flavor and the vibrant coloring it provides to the meat.
How many ingredients are in the total recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this Tandoori Chicken recipe.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
While thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use breast, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted to prevent drying out.
How should I prepare the baking tray?
Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
What garnish is recommended for the final plate?
Garnish the dish with a fresh mint leaf for a professional touch.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features traditional Pakistani flavors including aromatic cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
Can I marinate the chicken in a bag?
Yes, transferring the chicken into a zip-lock bag and sealing it well is an effective way to marinate.
How much cumin is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground cumin seeds.
Is this recipe suitable for family meals?
Yes, it is described as an unforgettable dining experience perfect for sharing with friends and family.
What is the role of garam masala?
Garam masala provides a warm, complex spice profile that is essential to the dish's aromatic character.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1.5 teaspoons of salt, or you can adjust to your personal taste.
Why is bone-in chicken recommended?
Bone-in chicken generally stays more succulent and provides deeper flavor during high-heat baking.
How much ginger and garlic are required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon each of finely grated fresh ginger and garlic.
What is the total marination window?
You can marinate for as little as 2 hours or as long as 48 hours for maximum spice absorption.