Zesty Grilled Tandoori Chicken
Indulge in this mouthwatering Zesty Grilled Tandoori Chicken, a flavorful dish inspired by traditional Indian cuisine. Marinated in a rich blend of yogurt, spices, and citrus, this chicken is bursting with flavor and showcases the perfect balance of spices for a delightful bite. Ideal for sunny barbecues or cozy family dinners, this recipe elevates your grilling game and is sure to impress your guests. Serve it with naan or a fresh salad for a complete meal. From marination to grilling, each step is designed to enhance the taste, making this dish a culinary masterpiece that everyone will love.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plain yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
Lemon juice
1/2 cup (juice from 2 lemons)
Onion
1 small (grated)
Garlic cloves
3 large (crushed)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Coriander
2 teaspoons (none)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Ground ginger
1 teaspoon (none)
Roasting chicken or finished rock cornish game hens
1 or 2 (cut up or split)
Instructions
1
In a large glass dish or a resealable plastic bag, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, grated onion, crushed garlic, chili powder, coriander, cumin, salt, and ground ginger. Mix well until all ingredients meld together into a smooth marinade.
2
Add the cut-up chicken or Cornish game hens into the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Close the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
3
Refrigerate the marinated chicken for a minimum of 4 hours, but for best results, allow it to marinate overnight. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution.
4
Prepare your grill for medium-high heat, placing the chicken skin side up about 5-7 inches from the coals.
5
Grill the marinated chicken for 50 to 60 minutes, turning every 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through – the juices should run clear when pierced and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
6
Alternatively, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the marinated chicken in a roasting pan. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Tandoori Chicken?
It is a flavorful dish inspired by traditional Indian cuisine, featuring chicken marinated in a rich blend of yogurt, citrus, and aromatic spices before being grilled or roasted.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
You can use either a whole roasting chicken cut into pieces or rock Cornish game hens split in half.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best results, the chicken should marinate for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is highly recommended for maximum flavor.
What are the main ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of plain yogurt, lemon juice, grated onion, crushed garlic, chili powder, coriander, cumin, salt, and ground ginger.
Can I cook this dish in the oven instead of on a grill?
Yes, you can preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and roast the marinated chicken in a roasting pan for 45 to 60 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
How do I prepare the onion for the marinade?
The onion should be finely grated to ensure it blends smoothly into the yogurt-based marinade.
What grill temperature is recommended?
The grill should be prepared for medium-high heat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
How often should I turn the chicken while grilling?
You should turn the chicken every 10 to 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
Do I need to turn the chicken while it is marinating?
Yes, you should turn the chicken occasionally while it is in the refrigerator to ensure even distribution of the marinade.
What should I serve with Tandoori chicken?
It is traditionally served with naan bread or a fresh, crisp salad for a complete and balanced meal.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The recipe calls for 3 large garlic cloves that have been thoroughly crushed.
Should the chicken be placed skin-side up or down on the grill?
The chicken should be placed on the grill skin-side up, approximately 5 to 7 inches away from the coals.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
While the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of lemon juice (roughly from 2 lemons), lime juice can be used as a citrusy substitute.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The recipe is tagged as spicy due to the inclusion of chili powder and ginger, though the yogurt helps balance the heat.
What kind of container should I use for marinating?
You can use a large glass dish or a resealable plastic bag to marinate the chicken.
What makes the marinade 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lemon juice and grated onion provides a bright, zesty profile to the spice blend.
Does this recipe use fresh or ground ginger?
This specific recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
The grilling process typically takes between 50 to 60 minutes.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
The recipe specifies plain yogurt, which is traditional for Tandoori, but Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker marinade consistency.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy option, especially when grilled and served with fresh vegetables.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
What is the purpose of the yogurt in the marinade?
The yogurt acts as a tenderizer for the chicken while providing a creamy base for the spices to adhere to.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of cumin.
What is the preparation for the Cornish game hens?
If using Cornish game hens, they should be split before being added to the marinade.
Can I use chicken breasts only?
Yes, though the recipe suggests a cut-up whole roasting chicken, you can use breasts; just be sure to adjust cooking times as they may cook faster.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Does the recipe require any special equipment?
You will need either an outdoor grill or an oven with a roasting pan.
What tags define this recipe's style?
It is categorized under grilling, Indian cuisine, Tandoori, summer barbecue, and comfort food.