🔥 Tandoori Chicken Recipe | Authentic Indian Grilled Chicken | Easy Tandoori Marinade

Tandoori Chicken is a world-famous Indian grilled chicken recipe made by marinating chicken pieces in a spicy yogurt-based marinade and roasting them to smoky perfection in a tandoor (clay oven) or an oven or grill at home. It’s juicy, spicy, smoky, and loaded with flavor — a true showstopper in any Indian meal.

🍗 Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• Chicken leg quarters or thighs – 800g (bone-in, skinless preferred)

• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

• Red chili powder (Kashmiri preferred) – 1 tsp

For the Marinade:

• Thick curd/yogurt (hung curd or Greek yogurt) – ½ cup

• Ginger paste – 1 tbsp

• Garlic paste – 1 tbsp

• Garam masala – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Cumin powder – ½ tsp

• Chaat masala – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Kashmiri red chili powder – 2 tsp (for color and mild spice)

• Salt – to taste

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

• Mustard oil or vegetable oil – 2 tbsp

• Optional: A few drops of natural red food color (for visual appeal)

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions – Make Tandoori Chicken at Home

✅ Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces.

• Make deep slits using a knife so that the marinade can penetrate deep.

• Rub with salt, lemon juice, and red chili powder. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.

✅ Step 2: Make the Tandoori Marinade

• In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients: yogurt, garlic-ginger paste, spices, lemon juice, oil, and food color (optional).

• Whisk until smooth and thick.

✅ Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

• Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade, making sure it gets into the slits.

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.

✅ Step 4: Cook the Chicken (Oven or Grill)

Oven-Baked Tandoori Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).

2. Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack over it.

3. Arrange marinated chicken pieces on the rack and bake for 20–25 minutes.

4. Flip and brush with oil or butter; bake for another 15–20 minutes or until charred and cooked through.

5. Optionally broil on high for 3–5 minutes for that smoky char.

Grill or Barbecue:

• Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until cooked and charred (20–25 mins).

✅ Step 5: Serve Hot

• Serve hot with mint chutney, lemon wedges, sliced onions, or naan/paratha.

• Sprinkle some chaat masala on top for a street-style finish.

🍽️ Serving Occasions for Tandoori Chicken

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

✅ This dish is gluten-free, keto-friendly, and a fantastic high-protein Indian dinner option.

💡 Tips for Perfect Tandoori Chicken

• Use hung curd or Greek yogurt to avoid a watery marinade.

• Don’t skip the overnight marination — it’s key for flavor depth.

• For authentic smoky flavor, you can smoke the chicken using the dhungar method (charcoal in a bowl).

• Always cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.

Q: Is tandoori chicken good for weight loss?

Yes, it’s a high-protein low-carb Indian recipe that’s ideal for weight management.

Q: What cut of chicken works best?

Bone-in thighs or drumsticks retain moisture better and give juicy results.

Q: How do I get restaurant-style red color?

Use Kashmiri chili powder or a pinch of natural red food color. Avoid artificial colors.

🌟 Interesting Facts

Tandoori Chicken is more than just a recipe — it’s a celebration of India’s rich culinary tradition. Whether cooked in a tandoor, oven, grill, or even an air fryer, it remains one of the most iconic Indian chicken dishes ever created.

Perfect for a weekend dinner, fitness meal, or a festive celebration, this spicy and smoky delicacy is sure to win hearts. So fire up that grill or oven and bring home the authentic flavors of the best tandoori chicken recipe today!