Tandoori chicken is an Indian dish full of flavor and color, perfect for bringing a touch of exoticism to your kitchen.
If you want to surprise family and friends with a flavorful meal, here’s how you can prepare tandoori chicken at home, step by step, with authentic ingredients and suggestions for substitutions.
Basic ingredients
For the marinade:
- 500-700 g chicken (legs, breast or wings, cut into suitable pieces)
- 200 g natural yogurt (ideally low-fat)
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice – helps to tenderize the meat and gives a sour taste
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (grind)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger shaved
- 2 teaspoons tandoori masala – spice mix (or see replacement suggestions below)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric – for color and a slightly bitter taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (or paprika, to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon garam masala (optional, for extra warm flavor)
- Salt and pepper according to taste
Replacement suggestions:
- Tandoori masala: If you can’t find this mix, you can combine:
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
These combined spices will render a flavor similar to that of tandoori masala.
How to prepare tandoori chicken
- Preparing the marinade:
In a large bowl, mix the yogurt with lemon juice, minced garlic and ginger. Add the spices (tandoori masala or replacement mix, turmeric, paprika, cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt and pepper) and mix well until you get a homogeneous marinade.
- Marinating the chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in the bowl and make sure they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Long marinating helps infuse the meat with the flavors of the spices and makes the chicken more tender.
Cooking the chicken:
You can cook the tandoori chicken in the oven or on the grill.
- In the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the chicken pieces on a tray lined with baking paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through to get a crispy crust.
- On the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, until tender and with grill marks.
Garnishes and serving suggestions
Tandoori chicken goes well with various side dishes and can be paired with:
- Basmati rice: Flavorful and fluffy, it absorbs the sauces from the chicken and completes the dish.
- Cucumber and yogurt salad (Raita): A refreshing salad that counterbalances the spicy spices.
- Naan or chapati: Traditional Indian flat bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Cooked vegetables: Roasted carrots, squash or peppers add color and texture to the dish.
What drinks go well with tandoori chicken?
To complete the healthy and flavorful cooking experience, here are some drink suggestions:
- Lassi: A traditional Indian yogurt smoothie that can be plain or flavored with mango. It is perfect for tempering spicy spices.
- Green tea or masala tea: A warm drink that not only adds a touch of sophistication, but also aids digestion.
- Mineral water: Always a good choice for hydration and to enjoy the taste of the dish.
Tandoori chicken is an explosion of flavors that can turn your meal into a real culinary experience.
By carefully marinating with authentic spices – or with substitute mixes when you can’t find the original ingredients – you can get a tender, aromatic and full of flavor chicken.
Pair it with basmati rice, refreshing salad and naan bread for an inspired lunch or dinner, and a drink like lassi or masala tea will complement the plate perfectly.
Good cooking and bon appetit!
