08/23/2025
Classic Tandoori Chicken
Ingredients
3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken cut into 8 pieces)
1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon garlic paste
2 tablespoons Tandoori masala powder
1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (for color and mild heat, or use regular paprika for less heat)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for authentic color)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter, for basting (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 deep slits into the flesh of each chicken piece (especially the thicker parts like thighs and breasts) to allow the marinade to pe*****te.
Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, Tandoori masala powder, Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika), turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, salt, and optional red food coloring. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the marinade is smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the prepared chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands to thoroughly coat each piece of chicken, ensuring the marinade gets into all the slits. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) for the best flavor and tenderness.
Preheat Oven/Grill:
For Oven Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place an oven-safe wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
For Grilling: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F / 190-200°C). Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them.
Cook the Chicken:
Oven Method: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, ensuring there's some space between them. Bake for 30-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If desired, baste with vegetable oil or melted butter during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part and the juices run clear. You can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra char, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Grill Method: Place the chicken pieces directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 20-30 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks on all sides. Baste with oil or butter during the last 10 minutes if desired. Again, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
Garnish: Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Tandoori chicken pairs wonderfully with naan bread, basmati rice, or a refreshing raita (yogurt dip).