How to cook Tandoori Chicken with HariOM Ingredients

Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its flavorful and aromatic preparation. It is named after the tandoor, a traditional clay oven used in Indian cooking. Tandoori chicken is characterized by its distinctive red-orange color, which comes from the use of spices and yogurt in the marinade.   

Here's a basic recipe for making tandoori chicken at home:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 2 lbs (about 1 kg) chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or boneless chicken)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tandoori masala spice mix (readily available in stores)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground garlic
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, tandoori masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika or chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, ground ginger, ground garlic, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
• Make shallow cuts in the chicken pieces to allow the marinade to penetrate.
• Add the chicken to the marinade and coat it evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Preheat the Oven or Grill:

• If using an oven, preheat it to the highest temperature (usually around 500°F or 260°C) with the top broiler element on.
• If using a grill, preheat it to a high temperature.

Skewer the Chicken (Optional):

• Tandoori chicken is traditionally skewered and cooked in a tandoor oven. If you have skewers, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them.

Cook the Chicken:

• Oven Method: Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking tray to catch any drips. Cook in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a charred appearance. You can also use the broil setting for a few minutes at the end for extra char.
• Grill Method: Place the chicken on a hot grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until it's cooked through and has grill marks.

Serve:

• Garnish the tandoori chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and serve it hot with lemon wedges and naan bread or rice. You can also serve it with a side of mint chutney and sliced onions.

Tandoori chicken is a flavorful and visually appealing dish that is loved for its smoky and spicy flavors. It's perfect for a barbecue, family dinner, or a special occasion. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.