Tandoori chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold spices and juicy chicken, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric create a rich and aromatic marinade that infuses the chicken with mouthwatering flavors.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish marinating and ready to cook in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Tandoori chicken can be made in advance and stored for easy meal prep throughout the week, making it a convenient and tasty option for busy schedules.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These are perfect for absorbing the flavorful marinade and staying juicy when cooked.
- Lime (juiced): Adds a tangy kick to the marinade.
- Table salt and ground black pepper: Enhance the overall seasoning of the dish.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy base for the marinade.
- Garlic, fresh ginger, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne: These spices add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the lime juice, salt, pepper, Greek yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne in the marinade.
- Try grilling the chicken for a smokier flavor.
- Serve with a side of naan bread or basmati rice for a complete meal.
- Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer and creamier marinade.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Serving Suggestions:
Tandoori chicken pairs perfectly with a side of cucumber raita, basmati rice, and garlic naan bread. For drinks, try serving with a refreshing mango lassi or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover tandoori chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option, but thighs are recommended for juicier results.
- How spicy is tandoori chicken? The level of spiciness can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne in the marinade.
- Can I bake tandoori chicken instead of grilling? Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the perfect tandoori chicken, it’s time to get cooking! This flavorful and aromatic dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try it out and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
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Tandoori Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Tandoori Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of yogurt, spices, garlic, and ginger, resulting in a deliciously aromatic dish with a hint of smokiness.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine lime juice, salt, pepper, yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Grill or bake chicken until fully cooked, about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Serve hot with rice, naan, and your favorite chutney.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne used.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of garam masala to the marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg