Tandoori Chicken
Photo: Jack Baghel on Pexels
Indian

Tandoori Chicken

India's most recognised chicken dish — deeply scored chicken marinated twice in yoghurt with tandoori masala, turmeric, cumin, ginger-garlic and lemon, then cooked in a screaming hot tandoor clay oven (or highest-heat grill/oven) until charred, smoky and red-orange outside, succulent within.

Total
50 min
Serves
4
Level
Medium

Prep 20 min · Cook 30 min

Ingredients

4 servings

Method

  1. Score the chicken pieces deeply with a sharp knife, cutting all the way to the bone — 3–4 cuts per piece. This allows the marinade to penetrate and the heat to cook quickly.

    About 5 min

  2. First marinade: rub chicken with lemon juice, salt and Kashmiri chilli. Rest 20 minutes.

    About 11 min

  3. Second marinade: mix yoghurt with all remaining marinade ingredients. Coat the chicken thoroughly, pushing marinade into the scores. Refrigerate 6–8 hours minimum, overnight preferred.

    About 11 min

  4. Oven method: preheat oven to 240°C/465°F (highest setting). Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking tray. Bake 20 minutes, then broil/grill for 5–8 minutes until charred spots form on the edges and tips.

    About 11 min

  5. Alternatively: grill over very hot charcoal, turning and basting with a brush dipped in butter/oil, for 25–30 minutes.

    About 11 min

  6. Serve with raw sliced onion, lemon wedges, mint chutney and naan or roti. A squeeze of lemon over the hot chicken at serving is essential.

    About 3 min

Nutrition per serving (estimate)

Calories
480
Protein
44 g
Carbs
8 g
Fat
30 g
Fibre
2 g
Sugar
4 g
Sodium
920 mg
All Indian recipes

Recipe by Boon Tools.