Smoky Tandoori Barbecue Chicken Delight
Experience the ultimate fusion of flavors with this Smoky Tandoori Barbecue Chicken Delight. This recipe combines a rich, aromatic tandoori marinade, made with yogurt, vibrant spices, and fresh lemon juice, with the deep, complex smokiness imparted by cooking over wood coals. The result is a succulent and tender chicken that is bursting with flavor, perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Serve it slathered in tangy chutney alongside warm naan for a complete culinary experience. Your friends and family won't be able to resist coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken
1 kg (Skin removed, cut into pieces)
Lemons
3 (Juiced)
Plain yogurt
1 cup
Onion
1 large (Chopped finely)
Salt
4 teaspoons
Garlic
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Roasted coriander
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Chili powder
1/2 teaspoon
Red food coloring
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Prepare the chicken by making 1 or 2 deep cuts in each piece to help the marinade penetrate deeply. Place the chicken in a single layer in a non-reactive dish with a lid.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, plain yogurt, chopped onion, salt, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground roasted coriander, chili powder, and red food coloring. Whisk together until smooth.
3
Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken for maximum flavor infusion.
4
Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 24 hours, but ideally up to 3 days, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure even marination.
5
Prepare your barbecue with wood coals to create a perfect smoky environment. Preheat to medium-hot.
6
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Grill the chicken on the hot coals, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) while ensuring it remains juicy.
7
Serve the chicken hot, accompanied by naan and your favorite sides, and prepare to be showered with compliments!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Tandoori Barbecue Chicken Delight?
It is a fusion dish that combines a yogurt-based tandoori marinade with wood-coal grilling for a deep smoky flavor.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of plain yogurt, lemon juice, finely chopped onion, garlic, ginger, roasted coriander, chili powder, and salt.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 24 hours and up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Why should I make deep cuts in the chicken pieces?
Making 1 or 2 deep cuts helps the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively for better flavor infusion.
What is the recommended cooking method?
The chicken should be grilled over wood coals on a barbecue to achieve an authentic smoky taste.
What internal temperature ensures the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for 1 kilogram of chicken pieces with the skin removed.
What serving sides are suggested?
It is traditionally served hot with naan bread, tangy chutney, and your favorite sides.
How many lemons are used for the juice?
The recipe calls for the juice of 3 fresh lemons.
Is red food coloring necessary?
Red food coloring provides the classic vibrant tandoori appearance but is optional.
What type of yogurt is used?
One cup of plain yogurt is used to provide creaminess and help tenderize the meat.
How much salt is in the marinade?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of salt for the marinade mixture.
How is the onion prepared?
One large onion should be chopped finely and mixed directly into the marinade.
What spices are included in the recipe?
Ground roasted coriander and chili powder provide the primary spice base.
How much garlic and ginger are needed?
Use 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger.
Can I use a gas grill instead of wood coals?
While possible, using wood coals is recommended to create the specific smoky environment described.
Should the marinade be massaged into the meat?
Yes, massaging the marinade into the chicken by hand ensures maximum flavor infusion.
How should the chicken be stored while marinating?
Keep it in a non-reactive dish with a lid or plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
Should the chicken have skin?
No, the recipe specifies that the skin should be removed from the chicken pieces.
Can I marinate it for less than 24 hours?
While possible, 24 hours is the minimum recommended time to allow the complex flavors to develop.
What type of coriander should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for ground roasted coriander for a deeper flavor profile.
How do I prepare the chicken for the grill?
Remove the pieces from the marinade and let the excess liquid drip off before grilling.
How many cuts should be made in each piece of meat?
Make 1 or 2 deep cuts in each piece of chicken to help it cook evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant flavor and smoky aroma make it perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
What is the amount of chili powder used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder for a hint of heat.
How often should I turn the chicken while marinating?
It is recommended to turn the pieces occasionally during the 24 to 72 hour marinating period.
How much food coloring is added?
1/2 teaspoon of red food coloring is used for the traditional tandoori look.
Should the barbecue be preheated?
Yes, preheat the barbecue to a medium-hot temperature before adding the chicken.
Is fresh ginger better than powdered ginger?
The recipe calls for minced ginger, which provides a fresher and more vibrant flavor than powder.
Why is wood charcoal used?
Wood coals impart a deep, complex smokiness that is essential to the flavor of this specific dish.