Authentic Chicken Tandoori Recipe

Introduction

Chicken tandoori is a classic Indian dish that is famous for its unique blend of spices and tender, juicy chicken. It is a popular dish in Indian restaurants all over the world, but did you know that you can easily make it at home? In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make an authentic chicken tandoori recipe that is perfect for dinner parties or a family meal.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. This will create the marinade for the chicken.

2. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Make sure the chicken is fully covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

6. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice, naan bread, and cucumber raita.

Vegetarian/Vegan Variation

To make a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe, you can use tofu instead of chicken. Simply press the tofu to remove any excess liquid, and then slice it into cubes. Marinate the tofu in the same marinade as the chicken, and then bake it for 20-25 minutes at 425°F (218°C).

Gluten-free Variation

This recipe is already gluten-free, as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or quinoa.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed learning how to make an authentic chicken tandoori recipe. This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to impress your family and friends. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can easily make this classic Indian dish at home. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out!

FAQ

What is Chicken Tandoori?

Chicken Tandoori is a popular Indian dish that is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, and then cooking it in a tandoor oven.

What ingredients do I need to make Chicken Tandoori?

To make Chicken Tandoori, you will need chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and oil.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. However, chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to develop even more.

Do I need a tandoor oven to make Chicken Tandoori?

No, you do not need a tandoor oven to make Chicken Tandoori. You can bake it in a regular oven or grill it.

How long should I cook the chicken?

The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the cooking method you are using. Generally, it takes about 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven, and 10-12 minutes to grill.

Can I freeze Chicken Tandoori?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Tandoori. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with Chicken Tandoori?

Chicken Tandoori is typically served with naan bread, rice, and a salad.

Can I make Chicken Tandoori without yogurt?

Yogurt is an important ingredient in Chicken Tandoori as it helps to tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. However, if you cannot eat yogurt, you can use a dairy-free yogurt alternative or omit it altogether.

Can I make Chicken Tandoori in a slow cooker?

Chicken Tandoori is not typically made in a slow cooker as it is traditionally cooked at high heat. However, you could try adapting the recipe and cooking it on low heat for a longer period of time.

Is Chicken Tandoori spicy?

Chicken Tandoori is typically mildly spicy. However, you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper to the marinade.