Authentic Chicken Tandoori

Chicken Tandoori My Authentic Easy Indian Recipe

By Priya DesaiSeptember 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a trip to India without leaving your kitchen? Ever wondered how to make chicken tandoori that tastes like it came straight from a proper tandoor oven? This recipe delivers smoky, tangy perfection every time.

Brief Overview

Chicken tandoori is an indian chicken recipe steeped in history, traditionally cooked in a scorching clay oven. This easy chicken tandoori version brings those authentic flavours home.

It's a medium level recipe needing a bit of patience and at least 4 hours 50 minutes total time to cook.

You get 4 servings of deliciousness!

Main Benefits

This homemade tandoori chicken is packed with protein, perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal. Ideal for a BBQ with friends, or just a cosy night in.

Honestly, what makes this authentic chicken tandoori recipe special is the depth of flavour you get from the tandoori chicken marinade it's simply divine!

Time to Get Spicy

Ready to dive into the world of tandoori masala ? It all starts with the ingredients. Get ready to transform humble chicken into something extraordinary.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk ingredients. Getting the right stuff is key to an awesome chicken tandoori recipe . Trust me, it makes all the difference.

I've messed it up before with dodgy yoghurt. Never again!

Main Ingredients: Your Shopping List

Here's what you'll need, measured out properly. Nobody wants a culinary disaster, right?

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) bone-in, skin-on pieces. Thighs and legs are the best. Slash the meat a few times.
Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Freshly squeezed is always better.
Salt: 1 tsp (5ml) for the first marinade.
Red Chili Powder: 1 tsp (5ml) for the first marinade, plus more for the second.
Turmeric Powder: ½ tsp (2.5ml) .
Plain Yogurt: 1 cup (240ml) , full fat. Seriously, go for full fat. It makes it richer!
Ginger Garlic Paste: 2 tbsp (30ml) .
Tandoori Masala: 1 tbsp (15ml) . This is the magic. If you want that authentic chicken tandoori flavour, don't skip it. I've tried homemade tandoori chicken , but shop bought is easier.
Garam Masala: 1 tsp (5ml) .
Ground Cumin: 1 tsp (5ml) .
Ground Coriander: 1 tsp (5ml) .
Kasuri Methi: 1 tsp (5ml) , crushed. It adds a lovely aroma.
Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (15ml) again.
Food Coloring: ½ tsp (2.5ml) (optional). If you want that classic red color.
Salt: To taste for the second marinade.
Fresh Cilantro: For garnish.
Lemon Wedges: For serving.

Quality Indicators: Get good quality yoghurt. If it's watery, it won't work as well. Also, make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavour.

The older the spices, the less potent the indian chicken recipe tastes.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

The secret to amazing chicken tandoori is the spices.

Essential Combinations: Ginger, garlic, and chili are a must.
Flavor Enhancers: Kasuri methi adds a unique touch.
Quick Subs: Don't have tandoori masala? Use a mix of paprika, cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gear to make this easy chicken tandoori at home.

Large mixing bowl: For marinating.
Small bowl: For the first marinade.
Grill pan or baking sheet: For cooking. I prefer a grill pan tandoori chicken for that smoky flavour, but baked chicken tandoori works too.
Aluminum foil: Makes cleaning up a breeze.
Tongs: For turning the chicken.

And that's it! Let's get cooking.

Cooking Method: Nail That Chicken Tandoori Like a Pro

Right, so you fancy making chicken tandoori ? Ace! It's way easier than you think, honestly. Forget slaving over a clay oven.

You can totally nail this Indian chicken recipe using your grill pan or oven. Think about it: smoky, spicy, juicy homemade tandoori chicken right in your kitchen.

Get ready for some serious flavour, mate. And If you follow this guide and tips, you will learn how to make chicken tandoori the easy way!.

Prep Like a Chef: The Mise en Place Magic

First, get your ducks in a row. Chop all your bits and bobs ginger, garlic, the works. Measure out your spices for that tandoori masala .

The essential mise en place makes life easier. It’s all about time saving organization, innit? You don’t want to be faffing about with spices while your chicken's burning.

Safety reminder? Don’t cut yourself! Simple.

From Marination to Magnificent: The step-by-step

Here’s the easy chicken tandoori recipe :

Score your chicken. Make deep cuts so the tandoori chicken marinade really soaks in.
Rub the chicken with salt, chili powder, and turmeric. This is marinade number one. Let it sit for 30 mins.
Mix your yogurt, ginger garlic paste, tandoori masala , and other spices. That's your main marinade.
Smother the chicken in the marinade. Leave it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. The longer, the better.
Preheat your grill pan or oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Grill or bake for 25- 35 minutes , turning now and then. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Rest the chicken for a few before serving.

Pro Tips for Boss Level Tandoori

Want to take your chicken tandoori to the next level? First, don't skimp on the marinating time . Honestly, the longer it sits, the better the flavour.

The second is, you can actually use your broiler (grill) at the end for a proper char, just watch it like a hawk! Common mistake? Overcooking the chicken.

Nobody wants dry baked chicken tandoori . You can marinate your chicken the night before. It saves you time and effort!.

Honestly, making authentic chicken tandoori at home is a total game changer. Give it a whirl, and you'll be scoffing down restaurant quality grub in no time!

Recipe Notes for Cracking Chicken Tandoori

Right then, you're about to embark on making some seriously tasty chicken tandoori . This isn't your average indian chicken recipe ; it's about bringing a bit of that tandoor oven magic home.

Before we dive in, let's chat about a few things to make sure your homemade tandoori chicken turns out absolutely banging.

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!

Fancy pants time. Plate that chicken tandoori like you mean it! Think vibrant. A scattering of fresh coriander. Maybe a cheeky squeeze of lemon.

Bam! For sides, naan bread is a no-brainer. A cooling cucumber raita? Absolutely. And if you're feeling fancy, a side of saffron rice.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that baked chicken tandoori into an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Honestly, I doubt it'll last that long. For freezing, it's doable. But the texture might change a bit. Reheating? Oven or grill pan tandoori chicken works best.

Low and slow is the key!

Variations: Mix It Up!

Let's get creative. Swapping out the chicken for paneer? Genius! Perfect for veggies. Want it spicier? Go wild with the chili powder.

A pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick too, use more tandoori masala or make your own. Change ingredients based on the season like seasonal vegetables.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Alright, let’s keep it simple. This easy chicken tandoori is packed with protein about 50 grams per serving! There's some fat from the yogurt, about 25 grams, which helps keep it moist.

Carbs are low, around 10 grams. And sodium? It depends on how much salt you add, so go easy on it.

Did you know that the spices used have anti inflammatory properties? Bonus!

So, there you have it. A few extra tips to help you nail that authentic chicken tandoori recipe . Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t stress too much.

Get stuck in, experiment, and enjoy the process. Now go and make some awesome chicken tandoori ! You’ve got this! Have some delicious chicken tandoori at home today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Chicken Tandoori, anyway? Is it as complicated as it sounds?

Chicken Tandoori is a classic Indian dish where chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven (a cylindrical clay oven). While a tandoor oven gives it that authentic smoky flavour, you can absolutely make amazing chicken tandoori at home using a grill or oven.

It's all about that flavourful marinade!

How long does the chicken tandoori need to marinate for? I'm not exactly known for my patience!

Patience is a virtue, especially with Chicken Tandoori! Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. The longer it marinates, the more the flavours penetrate the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavourful dish.

Think of it like steeping a good cuppa the longer you leave the tea bag, the stronger the brew!

Can I make chicken tandoori spicier? I like a bit of a kick, like a vindaloo on a Friday night!

Absolutely! If you're a chilli fiend, feel free to add more red chilli powder to the marinade. A pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped green chillies will also do the trick. Just remember to taste as you go, a little bit of spice goes a long way, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!

How do I stop my Chicken Tandoori from drying out while cooking?

Nobody wants dry chicken! The yogurt in the marinade helps to keep the chicken moist. Also, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Basting the chicken with a little of the marinade (reserved before adding the raw chicken) during cooking can also help.

I've got leftover Chicken Tandoori what's the best way to store it and how long will it last?

Lucky you! Leftover Chicken Tandoori can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave until piping hot. It's great in wraps, salads, or even as a pizza topping a little taste of India in all sorts of dishes!

Is Chicken Tandoori healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Chicken Tandoori can be a relatively healthy option, as it's a good source of protein. However, it can be high in sodium depending on the amount of salt used. Using lean chicken and avoiding excess oil during cooking helps keep it on the lighter side.

Also, be mindful of portion sizes everything in moderation, as they say!