why make this recipe
Easy Tandoori Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the warm, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine right into your home. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or even meal prep for the week. This recipe offers a simple way to create perfectly spiced, juicy chicken, all without needing to be a master chef.
how to make Easy Tandoori Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken (legs, thighs, or breast)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, tandoori spice mix, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, and salt.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
how to serve Easy Tandoori Chicken
Serve the Easy Tandoori Chicken hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with warm naan bread, rice, or a fresh salad. You can drizzle it with extra lemon juice or serve with tangy yogurt sauce on the side for added flavor.
how to store Easy Tandoori Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Easy Tandoori Chicken
- For more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
- Make sure to fully coat each piece of chicken in the marinade for the best taste.
- If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper or chopped chili to the marinade.
- You can also grill the chicken for a smokier flavor.
variation
You can customize the recipe by using different cuts of chicken or substituting with tofu for a vegetarian version. Additionally, experimenting with homemade tandoori spice mix can enhance the freshness of the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but reduce the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
What can I use instead of plain yogurt?
You can use Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade or try coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Is tandoori chicken spicy?
The spice level can vary based on the amount of tandoori spice mix you use. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
Easy Tandoori Chicken
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish that brings warm, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine right into your home, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken (legs, thighs, or breast)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, tandoori spice mix, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, and salt.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
For more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If desired, add cayenne pepper or chopped chili for spice. This recipe can accommodate boneless chicken; just reduce cooking time.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 56g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
