Tandoori Chicken

Name: Tandoori Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 3/4 teaspoon table salt; 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 lime, juiced; 1 (7-ounce) container plain Greek yogurt; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

Published: July 8, 2025

by eva

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This Tandoori Chicken recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a taste of India right from your kitchen. The rich flavors of the spiced yogurt marinade create a crispy, charred exterior that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is keto-friendly and low in carbs, making it a versatile choice for any meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of spices and yogurt creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with robust flavors.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish without any culinary expertise.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy Tandoori Chicken as a main dish, in wraps, or over rice for a complete meal.
Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this dish fits perfectly into various dietary plans including keto.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant color and crispy texture make this dish visually appealing for gatherings or family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Tandoori Chicken, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Foil or parchment paper
Tongs
Large bowl
Broiler or oven

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing excess moisture to escape.
Tongs: Make it easy to handle the marinated chicken without making a mess.
Large bowl: Essential for mixing the marinade thoroughly and coating the chicken evenly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
1 lime, juiced (1-2 tablespoons)
3/4 teaspoon table salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (7-ounce) container plain greek yogurt

For Flavoring

5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

How to Make Tandoori Chicken

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Rub salt, pepper, and lime juice over all surfaces of chicken thighs; set aside. Stir together all marinade ingredients in a large bowl until well-mixed. Add chicken thighs to bowl one at a time, using tongs to stir them around until smeared with marinade before adding another. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven

Position oven rack in center of oven. Turn on broiler, set to high. If broiler is not available, plan to bake instead by preheating oven to 450°F. Prepare baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, optionally fitted with greased wire rack. Use tongs to transfer marinade-covered chicken thighs to baking sheet, spreading out each thigh to lay it flat without touching others. Discard excess marinade in bowl.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Place baking sheet in oven, cooking until chicken appears mostly dry on top with a few blackened tips, about 15 to 20 minutes. Take out baking sheet, flip chicken thighs, and return to oven. Cook until chicken appears dry and is cooked through, about 10 minutes; monitor frequently to avoid burning. Serve hot!

How to Serve Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or a casual family meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

On a Bed of Rice

Basmati Rice: Serve the chicken on fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delicious juices.
Coconut Rice: Pair with fragrant coconut rice for a tropical twist.

With Fresh Salad

Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and balances the spices of the chicken.
Kachumber: This Indian salad made with diced tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers is perfect for adding freshness.

In Wraps

Naan Wraps: Roll the tandoori chicken in warm naan bread with fresh veggies for a hearty wrap.
Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap pieces of chicken with yogurt sauce.

With Yogurt Sauce

Mint Yogurt Sauce: Drizzle with homemade mint yogurt sauce to cool down the heat.
Raita: Traditional raita made with yogurt and grated cucumber complements the spices well.

How to Perfect Tandoori Chicken

Achieving the perfect Tandoori Chicken requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be. Aim for at least 6 hours or overnight if possible.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices add depth to the marinade, enhancing flavor significantly.
High Heat Cooking: Broiling or baking at high temperatures helps achieve that signature charred finish. Don’t shy away from crispy bits!
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your chicken while cooking to prevent overcooking and dryness; check frequently as ovens vary.

Best Side Dishes for Tandoori Chicken

To complement your Tandoori Chicken, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance its flavors.

Garlic Naan: Soft and fluffy naan brushed with garlic butter pairs perfectly with the spices of the chicken.
Saag Paneer: Creamy spinach and cheese dish offers a rich contrast to the spiced chicken.
Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad with chickpeas, tomatoes, and herbs adds freshness to your meal.
Aloo Gobi: This spiced potato and cauliflower dish is a classic Indian side that complements Tandoori flavors beautifully.
Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy mango chutney provides a delightful contrast and enhances the dish’s complexity.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables tossed in olive oil make for a healthy accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Tandoori Chicken, some common mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate long enough can result in bland flavor. Aim for at least 6 hours for the best taste.
Using the Wrong Cut of Chicken: Opting for chicken breasts instead of thighs may lead to dry meat. Stick with boneless skinless thighs for juiciness.
Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many chicken pieces on one tray can cause steaming rather than roasting. Give each piece space for even cooking and crispiness.
Ignoring Temperature Settings: Failing to preheat your oven properly or using a low temperature can affect cooking time and texture. Always use high heat for that signature char.
Not Monitoring Cooking Time: Leaving the chicken in the oven without checking can result in overcooking. Keep an eye on it and check doneness regularly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Tandoori Chicken in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Tandoori Chicken

Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Frozen Tandoori Chicken can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Tandoori Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to keep it moist while warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Tandoori Chicken:

What is Tandoori Chicken?

Tandoori Chicken is a popular Indian dish made from marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor oven or broiled at high heat, resulting in flavorful, tender meat.

How do I make Tandoori Chicken spicy?

To increase the spice level, add more cayenne pepper or incorporate chopped green chilies into the marinade. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can substitute tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version of Tandoori.

Is Tandoori Chicken healthy?

Tandoori Chicken is relatively healthy because it uses yogurt as a marinade and is often low in carbohydrates. It’s great for those following keto diets.

How do I serve Tandoori Chicken?

Serve Tandoori Chicken with fresh naan, rice, or salad. Pair it with mint chutney for an added flavor boost!

Final Thoughts

Tandoori Chicken is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easily adaptable to various diets like keto or paleo. You can customize it by adjusting spices or serving it with different sides. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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