Best tandoori chicken recipe ever

Here’s a delicious and authentic recipe for Tandoori Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Clean and pat dry the chicken thighs. Make deep cuts on the chicken to allow the marinade to penetrate.
2. In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. This is your marinade.
3. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the marinade, making sure to get it into the cuts. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken.
6. Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
7. Arrange the chicken thighs on the wire rack and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char on the edges.
8. Optionally, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for a couple of minutes to get a smoky flavor and a bit more char.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, rice, or your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Tandoori Chicken!

FAQs

• What gives tandoori chicken its flavor?

• Tandoori chicken derives its rich and complex flavor from a combination of key ingredients in its marinade. Yogurt provides a tangy base, while ginger-garlic paste adds depth. The distinctive taste is enhanced by spices such as red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, and cumin, creating a harmonious blend that infuses the chicken with the authentic and aromatic flavors characteristic of Indian cuisine.

• What makes tandoori so red?

• The vibrant red color in tandoori chicken primarily comes from the use of red chili powder in the marinade. This spice not only contributes to the dish’s heat but also imparts the characteristic red hue when combined with other ingredients. Additionally, some recipes may include food coloring like red beet powder or artificial colorants to intensify the red appearance, though traditional recipes rely on natural spices for both flavor and color.

• What is a tandoori marinade called?

• The marinade used for tandoori chicken is commonly referred to as “tandoori marinade.” It is a well-balanced mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, various spices, lemon juice, and sometimes oil. This marinade is crucial for infusing the chicken with the signature flavors and ensuring tenderness during the cooking process in a tandoor or oven.

• What makes tandoori chicken pink?

• Tandoori chicken can sometimes appear pink after cooking due to the reaction between the red chili powder in the marinade and the high cooking temperatures. The heat can intensify the red color, creating a pinkish hue on the surface of the chicken. This is a normal occurrence and does not compromise the dish’s flavor or safety. Properly marinating and cooking the chicken ensure a delightful blend of spices and a visually appealing appearance.