Indian-Spiced Grilled Tandoori Chicken
Transform your grilling experience with this Indian-Spiced Grilled Tandoori Chicken recipe. Marinated in a rich blend of yogurt and spices including coriander, cumin, and ginger, this dish boasts a vibrant flavor profile that is both aromatic and irresistible. Perfect for summer cookouts or family gatherings, this tender and juicy chicken pairs beautifully with a refreshing cucumber salad or warm naan. Impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy a taste of India right in your backyard!
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
skinless chicken breast halves
6 (washed and trimmed)
plain yogurt
2 cups (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
ground coriander
2 tablespoons (freshly ground if possible)
mild paprika
2 tablespoons (for color and flavor)
ground cumin
1.5 tablespoons (for a warm, earthy taste)
fresh ginger
1.5 tablespoons (minced)
fresh garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
ground black pepper
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon (for a hint of sweetness)
ground cardamom
0.5 teaspoon (for aromatic flavor)
ground cloves
0.25 teaspoon (for depth of flavor)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for grilling)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, ground coriander, mild paprika, ground cumin, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, ground black pepper, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground cloves until well blended.
2
Add the skinless chicken breast halves to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken.
3
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and discard the marinade. Gently pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
4
Drizzle the chicken with vegetable oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
5
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
6
Carefully place the chicken on the grill and cook for approximately 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through, with internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C).
7
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
8
Transfer the rested chicken to a cutting board and slice crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
26.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Tandoori chicken recipe?
The recipe uses six skinless chicken breast halves that are washed and trimmed.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 8 hours, though overnight is preferred for better flavor penetration.
What is the base of the Tandoori marinade?
The marinade base is two cups of plain yogurt, preferably full-fat for maximum creaminess.
What spices are included in the marinade?
The spice blend includes coriander, mild paprika, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
How much ground coriander is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of ground coriander, ideally freshly ground.
What is the purpose of adding mild paprika?
Mild paprika is added to provide both a vibrant color and a subtle flavor to the chicken.
How much ginger and garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of minced fresh ginger and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic.
How do I prepare the chicken after marinating?
Once marinated, discard the marinade and gently pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The barbecue grill should be preheated to medium heat.
How long does the chicken need to cook on the grill?
The chicken should be grilled for approximately 7 minutes on each side.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Should I let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the grill to allow juices to redistribute.
How should the Tandoori chicken be sliced for serving?
The chicken should be sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces.
What are the total calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 26.25g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this grilled chicken?
There are 6g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 3.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No, the recipe data indicates there is no added sugar.
What type of oil is recommended for grilling?
One tablespoon of vegetable oil is used to drizzle the chicken and oil the grill grates.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and features lean chicken breast and yogurt.
What can I serve with Tandoori chicken?
It pairs beautifully with a refreshing cucumber salad or warm naan bread.
How much ground cumin is used?
The recipe requires 1.5 tablespoons of ground cumin for a warm, earthy taste.
Are there any aromatic spices in the mix?
Yes, ground cardamom and ground cloves are used to provide aromatic depth.
What is the preparation for the fresh ginger?
The fresh ginger should be minced before being added to the yogurt mixture.
Should the marinade be kept or discarded?
The marinade should be discarded after the chicken is removed.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
You should lightly oil the grill grates before placing the chicken on the grill.
What makes this dish 'Tandoori' style?
The combination of a yogurt-based marinade and traditional Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger creates the Tandoori profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer cookout?
Absolutely, it is specifically noted as being perfect for summer cookouts and family gatherings.
Can I use ground black pepper for seasoning?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper plus additional pepper to taste.
Is there cinnamon in this recipe?
Yes, 0.5 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is included for a hint of sweetness.