Grilled Tandoori-Style Chicken Legs with Yogurt Marinade
Experience the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Tandoori chicken, now made easier for the grill! This recipe features succulent chicken legs marinated overnight in a rich blend of full-fat yogurt and a variety of spices, ensuring every bite is juicy and full of flavor. Perfect for summer barbecues or family gatherings, this dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy with loved ones. Serve with naan, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Get ready to impress your guests with this delightful grilled chicken that's both spicy and satisfying!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
full-fat plain yogurt
2 1/2 cups (divided)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (juiced)
fresh minced ginger
2 tablespoons (minced)
minced fresh garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
coriander
1 teaspoon (ground)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
chicken legs
8 (with thighs attached, choice of skin on or removed)
melted butter
6 tablespoons (for basting)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine 1 1/2 cups of plain yogurt with fresh lemon juice, minced ginger, minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, coriander, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth and well mixed.
2
Transfer the blended marinade to a large bowl and stir in the remaining 1 cup of yogurt using a wooden spoon until fully integrated.
3
Add the chicken legs to the bowl and use your hands or a spatula to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
5
When ready to grill, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat.
6
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Place the chicken legs directly on the grill, taking care not to wash off the marinade. Discard any leftover marinade from the bowl.
7
Grill the chicken for approximately 12-13 minutes per side, basting with melted butter during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added richness.
8
Optionally, season with extra salt and pepper while cooking to enhance flavor.
9
Once cooked through and nicely charred, remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Tandoori-Style Chicken?
Grilled Tandoori-Style Chicken is a dish featuring succulent chicken legs marinated in a rich blend of full-fat yogurt and aromatic spices, then grilled to achieve a charred and juicy finish.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of full-fat plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced ginger, minced garlic, and a spice blend including coriander, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For the best flavor development, the chicken should be refrigerated and allowed to marinate overnight.
Can I use low-fat yogurt for this recipe?
While full-fat yogurt is recommended for its richness and ability to tenderize the meat, you can use low-fat yogurt, though the texture and flavor may be less creamy.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 8 chicken legs with the thighs attached, which stay juicy during the grilling process.
Should I leave the skin on the chicken legs?
You have the choice of leaving the skin on for extra crispness or removing it before marinating depending on your preference.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill should be preheated to a medium-high heat before placing the chicken on the grates.
How long does it take to grill the chicken legs?
The chicken should be grilled for approximately 12 to 13 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred.
Is a food processor necessary for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the initial portion of yogurt with the fresh ginger, garlic, and spices to ensure a smooth marinade consistency.
What is the purpose of basting with melted butter?
Basting with melted butter during the last 5 minutes of cooking adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful charred finish on the grill.
Should I wash off the marinade before grilling?
No, do not wash off the marinade. Place the chicken directly on the grill with the coating intact for maximum flavor.
Can I reuse the leftover marinade from the bowl?
No, any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken should be discarded for food safety reasons.
What spices give Tandoori chicken its yellow-orange hue?
Turmeric is the primary spice responsible for providing the vibrant yellow-orange color to the chicken.
How much ginger and garlic are needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of fresh minced ginger and 2 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic.
Is this Tandoori chicken recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and fresh black pepper, giving it a moderate kick that can be adjusted to taste.
What can I serve with this dish?
This grilled chicken pairs perfectly with naan bread, basmati rice, or a fresh garden salad.
How much salt is used in the marinade?
The marinade uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, though you can season with extra salt while grilling to enhance the flavor.
Can I marinate the chicken for a shorter time?
While overnight is ideal, you should marinate for at least 4 hours if you are short on time to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
Why is yogurt used as a marinade base?
Yogurt contains lactic acid and calcium that help break down the proteins in the meat, making the chicken incredibly tender.
How much butter is needed for basting?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of melted butter for basting during the final stages of grilling.
Does the recipe use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the most vibrant and acidic flavor profile in the marinade.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on using 8 chicken legs, this recipe typically serves 4 to 8 people depending on the size of the legs and accompanying sides.
Can I use this marinade for chicken breasts?
Yes, the marinade works well for chicken breasts, but cooking times will need to be adjusted to prevent the leaner meat from drying out.
What is the total amount of yogurt used?
A total of 2 1/2 cups of full-fat plain yogurt is used, divided between the blended spice mix and the final stir-in.
Is cumin used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin is included in the spice blend for its earthy flavor.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The ginger should be peeled and finely minced before being added to the food processor.
Should I let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill allows the juices to redistribute for a moister result.
Can I cook this in an oven if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, though you will lose the smoky grill flavor.
What is the role of coriander in this dish?
Ground coriander adds a light, citrusy, and floral note that complements the other warm spices in the Tandoori blend.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Absolutely, the combination of easy prep and outdoor grilling makes it an ideal choice for summer gatherings and family meals.