Indian Chicken Tandoori – Recipe & Cooking Instructions

Indian Chicken Tandoori – Recipe & Cooking Instructions

Indian Chicken Tandoori is a flavorful and iconic dish from the rich and aromatic Indian cuisine. It is widely popular across India and South Asia for its distinctive taste and vibrant spices.

This dish also has an interesting origin story. It was created by Kundan Lal Gujral, a Punjabi Hindu who owned the famous Moti Mahal restaurant. After the 1947 partition, he found himself as a refugee in India and moved his restaurant to Delhi. In an effort to attract and retain customers, he created this now-famous dish.

Chicken Tandoori became so beloved that India’s Prime Minister at the time, Jawaharlal Nehru, included it as a regular item at official banquets.

Beyond its incredible taste, the dish is also rich in nutrition. Every 350 grams provides approximately 46 grams of protein and 552 calories.

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Ingredients for Indian Chicken Tandoori (Serves 4):

 

• ⅔ cup plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds

• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

• ¼ teaspoon red chili powder

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• 2 chicken breasts (approx. 1 kg), skin removed and cut

• 2 kg chicken thighs, cut into 4 equal parts, skin removed

• Vegetable oil (as needed)

• ½ teaspoon salt

For Garnish:

• 1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges

• Chopped parsley (optional, to taste)

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How to Prepare Indian Chicken Tandoori:

Start by placing the yogurt, cumin, paprika, ginger, lemon juice, coriander seeds, cardamom, red chili powder, black pepper, cloves, crushed garlic, chicken breasts, and chicken thighs into a sealable cooking bag.

Seal the bag tightly and shake it well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the chicken is evenly coated. Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least two hours, shaking it occasionally to ensure the marinade is well absorbed.

After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag and place the pieces in a baking tray greased with a bit of oil. Sprinkle salt over the chicken.

Preheat the oven to 500°C (or to the highest setting your oven allows, typically around 250°C/480°F), and roast the chicken for about 30 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.

Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of authentic Indian Chicken Tandoori with your family.