Easy Tandoori Chicken
Transform your dinner table with this flavorful and foolproof recipe for Easy Tandoori Chicken. Infused with a vibrant marinade of creamy yogurt, zesty lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and a medley of warm spices like garam masala, turmeric, and paprika, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your home kitchen. Perfectly tender and irresistibly smoky, the chicken bakes or grills to perfection in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. Whether served alongside fluffy naan, fragrant basmati rice, or a crisp salad, this Indian-inspired classic is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Plus, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their chicken game. Don’t forget the fresh cilantro garnish and a squeeze of lemon for that final burst of flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks or thighs
- 1 cup Plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 4 pieces Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Clean the chicken pieces by patting them dry with a paper towel. Make 2-3 deep cuts into each piece for better marinade penetration.
In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to a sealable bag. Let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare your grill by heating it to medium-high.
If baking, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the sheet, leaving space between them for even cooking.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through, turning once midway for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, grill the chicken pieces for 12-15 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy your Easy Tandoori Chicken with naan, rice, or a side salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2528 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 142.5 g | 183% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.4 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1131 mg | 377% | |
| Sodium | 3385 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.7 g | ||
| Protein | 282.5 g | 565% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.9 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 694 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 3700 mg | 79% | |
*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.
