Flavors of India: Grilled Spiced Chicken Delight
Unwind after a long day with this vibrant and aromatic dish that brings the warmth of Indian spices to your kitchen. The combination of spices, yogurt, and citrus creates a succulent grilled chicken that's both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish pairs beautifully with a refreshing drink and will transport you to a culinary paradise. The grilled chicken is seasoned meticulously, ensuring that every bite is infused with a delightful kick and a memorable taste that lingers. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of freshness and enjoy a satisfying experience that elevates your evening meals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
450 g (Boneless, skinless)
Black peppercorns
1 tablespoon (Whole)
Paprika or Red chili powder
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Chipotle pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground (optional))
Garam masala
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Cumin seeds
2 teaspoons (Whole)
Oregano
2 teaspoons (Dried)
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (To taste)
Garlic cloves
2 medium (Minced)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Yogurt or Sour cream
2 tablespoons (Plain)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For drizzling)
Instructions
1
Begin by crushing the black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and garlic cloves in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder until finely powdered.
2
In a mixing bowl or zip-lock bag, combine the crushed spices with paprika or red chili powder, chipotle pepper (if using), garam masala, oregano, and salt.
3
Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and yogurt or sour cream to the spice mixture. Mix until well combined.
4
Place the chicken breasts into the bag or bowl and rub the marinade thoroughly over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 40 minutes to 1 hour.
5
Preheat your grill or oven to a medium-high setting.
6
After marinating, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil on both sides.
7
Grill the chicken for 15 minutes on one side, then carefully flip and grill for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and juices run clear.
8
Let the chicken rest for about 1 minute before slicing. Serve garnished with lemon wedges, and if desired, a side of mayonnaise or your choice of dressing. Fresh cilantro or coriander can also be added for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this Indian-inspired chicken recipe?
The recipe is called Flavors of India: Grilled Spiced Chicken Delight.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 450 grams of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 40 minutes to 1 hour.
What spices are needed for the marinade?
You will need black peppercorns, paprika or red chili powder, garam masala, cumin seeds, and dried oregano.
Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?
Yes, the recipe allows for either plain yogurt or sour cream to be used in the spice mixture.
How do I prepare the whole spices?
Crush the black peppercorns and cumin seeds in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder until they become a fine powder.
What is the cooking time for the grilled chicken?
Grill the chicken for 15 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Is this dish considered spicy?
The dish has a delightful kick from the peppercorns and paprika, and can be made spicier by adding ground chipotle pepper.
What temperature should the grill or oven be set to?
The grill or oven should be preheated to a medium-high setting.
Should I let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, let the chicken rest for about 1 minute before slicing to ensure it stays succulent.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish the chicken with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro or coriander for added color and flavor.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 medium garlic cloves, which should be minced and added to the marinade.
What kind of oil should I use?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to drizzle over the chicken before grilling.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
Is the chipotle pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of ground chipotle pepper is optional.
How much lemon juice do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I use cumin powder instead of cumin seeds?
The recipe specifies whole cumin seeds to be crushed, but you could substitute with ground cumin if necessary.
How do I ensure the chicken is well-coated?
Rub the marinade thoroughly over the chicken in a mixing bowl or a sealed zip-lock bag.
What should I serve as a dipping sauce?
You can serve the chicken with a side of mayonnaise or your favorite dressing.
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes, based on the ingredients like chicken, yogurt, and spices, this is a low-carb dish.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, or you can adjust it to your personal taste.
Can I bake this chicken in a dish?
Yes, after marinating, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish and cook it in the oven.
What does the yogurt do in the marinade?
The yogurt helps to bind the spices and tenderizes the chicken, keeping it succulent while grilling.
What does garam masala add to the dish?
Garam masala provides a warm, complex Indian spice profile that is essential to the dish's flavor.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through and the juices run clear after about 25-30 minutes of total grilling.
Can I use red chili powder instead of paprika?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 tablespoon of paprika or red chili powder.
What tools are needed for the spices?
A mortar and pestle or a spice grinder is needed to crush the whole peppercorns and cumin seeds.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground paprika or red chili powder.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is vibrant and aromatic, featuring a blend of warm Indian spices with a hint of citrus and a smoky grilled finish.
Is oregano a common Indian spice?
While not a traditional Indian spice, this recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried oregano to add a unique herbal note to the fusion blend.