Dairy-Free Tandoori Chicken Drumstick
Satisfy your cravings for a bold and flavorful dish with this Dairy-Free Tandoori Chicken Drumstick recipe! This vibrant take on the classic tandoori chicken swaps traditional yogurt for creamy unsweetened coconut yogurt, making it perfect for those avoiding dairy without compromising on rich, tangy flavors. Infused with a robust blend of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and paprika, these drumsticks are marinated to perfection, ensuring every bite is succulent and brimming with Indian-inspired zest. Whether baked, grilled, or air-fried, the chicken achieves the perfect balance of char and tenderness. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, zesty lemon wedges, or alongside steamed basmati rice for a truly enticing meal. Easy to prepare and customizable for heat preferences, this dairy-free option is a crowd-pleaser that's as healthy as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup Unsweetened coconut yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 4 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons Ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slits on each chicken drumstick to help the marinade penetrate the meat.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade and thoroughly coat each piece. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare an outdoor grill or air fryer depending on your preferred cooking method.
For baking: Arrange the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
For grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the drumsticks for 20-25 minutes, turning frequently, until fully cooked and nicely charred.
For air-frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges, a side salad, or steamed basmati rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1915 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.2 g | 157% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.3 g | 206% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 2964 mg | 129% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.0 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.4 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 183.1 g | 366% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 250 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 17.0 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 2325 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
