Tandoori Chicken

Name: Tandoori Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves approximately four people
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 lime, juiced; 3/4 teaspoon table salt; 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 (7-ounce) container plain Greek yogurt; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

Published: July 10, 2025

by Sofia

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This Tandoori Chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of India right into your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, whether a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish features chicken marinated in a rich yogurt and spice blend. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a delightful char that will impress anyone at your table. Plus, it’s keto-friendly and low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: The yogurt marinade infuses the chicken with bold spices, resulting in an unforgettable taste.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, anyone can make this dish at home.
Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s lunch or dinner, Tandoori Chicken fits all occasions and pairs well with various sides.
Healthy Option: Low carb and keto-friendly, this dish allows you to enjoy delicious flavors without compromising your dietary goals.
Versatile Serving: Serve it with rice, salad, or in wraps for diverse meal options.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Tongs
Large mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Foil or parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for broiling or baking the chicken evenly.
Tongs: Help you handle the marinated chicken safely without mess.
Large mixing bowl: Allows enough space to mix the marinade thoroughly with all ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed ((Note 1))
1 lime, juiced (1-2 tablespoons)
3/4 teaspoon table salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Marinade

1 (7-ounce) container plain greek yogurt ((Note 2))
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

How to Make Tandoori Chicken

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Rub salt, pepper, and lime juice over all surfaces of the chicken thighs; set aside. Stir together all marinade ingredients in a large bowl until well-mixed. Add chicken thighs to the bowl one at a time, using tongs to stir them around until they are fully coated with marinade before adding another. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours.

Step 2: Prepare

Position oven rack in the center of your oven. Turn on broiler and set it to high. If broiling is not available, preheat your oven to 450°F for baking instead (Note 4). Prepare a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, optionally fitted with a greased wire rack (Note 5). Use tongs to transfer the marinade-covered chicken thighs onto the baking sheet, spreading each thigh out flat without touching others. Discard any excess marinade left in the bowl.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Place the baking sheet into the oven and cook until chicken appears mostly dry on top with a few blackened tips; this should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, flip each chicken thigh over carefully using tongs, and return them to the oven. Cook until they appear dry and are cooked through—this takes about another 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them frequently to avoid burning. Serve once done (Note 6).

How to Serve Tandoori Chicken

Serving Tandoori Chicken can be a delightful experience for your guests and family. The vibrant flavors of this dish pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its taste.

With Fresh Salad

Cucumber Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumber, tomatoes, and mint that adds crunch and freshness.
Kachumber: A classic Indian salad made with diced cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes, dressed with lemon juice.

With Sauces

Mint Chutney: A zesty sauce made from fresh mint leaves, yogurt, and spices, perfect for dipping.
Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side that balances the spices of the Tandoori Chicken.

With Rice

Basmati Rice: Fluffy white rice that serves as a mild base to absorb the flavors of the chicken.
Jeera Rice: Aromatic cumin-flavored rice that complements the spices in the dish.

With Bread

Naan: Soft Indian bread that’s great for scooping up chicken and sauces.
Roti: Whole wheat flatbread that adds a wholesome touch to your meal.

With Vegetables

Grilled Vegetables: Charred bell peppers, onions, and zucchini that add a smoky flavor to the plate.
Saag Paneer: A creamy spinach dish that provides a rich contrast to the spicy chicken.

How to Perfect Tandoori Chicken

Perfecting your Tandoori Chicken involves attention to detail during preparation and cooking. Here are some essential tips:

Marinate Well: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 6 hours enhances flavor penetration.
Use High Heat: Cooking at high temperatures ensures crispy edges while keeping the inside juicy.
Flip During Cooking: Turning the chicken halfway through cooking helps it cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure space between pieces for even cooking and proper browning.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute.

Best Side Dishes for Tandoori Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Tandoori Chicken enhances your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

Cilantro Lime Rice: Fragrant rice mixed with fresh cilantro and lime zest adds brightness.
Spiced Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas seasoned with cumin and paprika provide protein-rich crunch.
Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy chutney balances the spiciness of the chicken beautifully.
Aloo Gobi: A flavorful potato and cauliflower dish seasoned with turmeric and cumin is comforting.
Pickled Onions: Quick-pickled red onions offer a tangy bite that cuts through richness.
Pulao: Fragrant rice cooked with spices, nuts, and raisins for added texture and sweetness.
Vegetable Samosas: Crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes make for an enticing appetizer.
Garlic Naan Bread: Soft garlic-infused bread perfect for soaking up sauces and juices from the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Tandoori Chicken at home can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Skipping the marination time: Not allowing enough time for the chicken to marinate will lead to less flavorful results. Aim for at least 6 hours, or overnight if possible.
Using the wrong cut of chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out during cooking. Opt for boneless skinless thighs for juicier meat.
Ignoring oven temperature settings: Cooking at too low a temperature can prevent the characteristic charred bits. Ensure your oven is correctly set before broiling.
Not monitoring cooking time: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, while undercooking poses health risks. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, targeting 165°F (75°C).
Failing to discard excess marinade: Leaving too much marinade on the chicken can lead to sogginess. Transfer chicken carefully and pat dry if necessary before cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Tandoori Chicken in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Tandoori Chicken

Wrap cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer bag.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tandoori Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or oil. Cook the chicken until heated through, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Tandoori Chicken:

What is Tandoori Chicken?

Tandoori Chicken is an Indian dish made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices, then cooking it traditionally in a tandoor oven or baking it at high temperatures.

How spicy is Tandoori Chicken?

The spiciness of Tandoori Chicken can vary based on personal preference. You can adjust the cayenne pepper in the marinade to make it milder or spicier.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! While Tandoori Chicken is popular, you can also use lamb, fish, or tofu as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is Tandoori Chicken healthy?

Yes! Made with lean meat and spices, Tandoori Chicken is low in carbs and fits well into many diets, including keto and paleo.

How do I make my Tandoori Chicken more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like cilantro or mint as garnishes after cooking. Experimenting with different spices in the marinade can also elevate the taste.

Final Thoughts

Tandoori Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. You can adjust spices and side dishes according to your taste preferences. This dish brings comfort and joy while being quick and easy to prepare. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its rich flavors!

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