Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, and lime juice, then broiled to perfection for a smoky, charred exterior and juicy interior. This recipe offers a simple yet authentic way to enjoy the vibrant and aromatic flavors of tandoori cuisine at home.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 6-24 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes to 24 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 3/4 teaspoon table salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Marinade
- 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
- Marinate Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and lime juice to season evenly. In a large bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, minced fresh ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and ground cayenne. Add the chicken pieces into the marinade mixture and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the marinated chicken for a minimum of 6 hours and up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
- Prepare for Cooking: When ready to cook, preheat your oven or broiler to high heat, around 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even cooking and proper charring.
- Cook Chicken: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes until the top surface looks dry and slightly charred along the edges, which mimics the traditional tandoori char. Flip each chicken piece carefully and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 6 hours is crucial to develop the rich flavors of the spices.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Broiling gives a charred effect similar to cooking in a traditional tandoor oven.
- Serve with naan bread, basmati rice, or a fresh cucumber raita to complement the spices.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Keywords: Tandoori Chicken, Indian Chicken Recipe, Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Broiled Chicken, Spicy Chicken Thighs, Indian Cuisine