published Feb 22, 2023 It’s no secret how much I love whipping up Indian-inspired cuisine. Dishes like aloo masala (spicy potatoes), this turkey lentil soup, and these stuffed crepes called masala dosa are just a few of my favorites. If I had it my way, I would serve Indian food at least once a week! It’s hearty, filling, and perfectly comforting. And best of all, you don’t need to go to a restaurant to get it. Indian cuisine is so much fun to make at home. Today’s dish is one that I’ve been meaning to share for a while: tandoori chicken. It’s made with tender boneless skinless chicken thighs and a flavorful marinade of yogurt and spices and seasonings. Traditionally, this tandoori chicken recipe is prepared in a tandoor or a type of clay oven. If you don’t have one, no need to worry. You can make yours in the oven or on the grill.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Chicken – I like using boneless skinless chicken thighs for my tandoori chicken recipe. The dark meat makes this dish extra savory.Ghee – To cook your chicken as well as for serving. You could also use melted butter instead.Greek Yogurt – Plain Greek yogurt is the base for your tandoori marinade.Chili Paste – I swear by spicy Sambal Oelek chili paste! It’s another key ingredient for your marinade. Lemon Juice – To add a touch of citrus to your tandoori marinade. You also need sliced lemons as a garnish.Ginger Paste – More savory flavor for your marinade!Garlic – I use garlic in almost all of my savory dishes, and this tandoori chicken recipe is no exception.Vegetable Oil – To achieve the proper consistency in your marinade.Red Food Coloring – Tandoori chicken is famously bright red. Use food coloring to get the color right! Red food coloring/gel (chemical free preferred) typically can be found in the baking aisle of your market.Kosher Salt – To balance out the other flavors.Cayenne Pepper – For more added heat!Garam Masala – Most of the complex flavor of this dish comes from a garam masala spice mix. Buy it at the supermarket or make your own.Fresh Cilantro – For serving.
HOW TO MAKE TANDOORI CHICKEN IN THE OVEN
HOW TO MAKE TANDOORI CHICKEN ON THE GRILL
What is Tandoori Marinade Made Of?
All tandoori marinades will differ slightly, but most include yogurt, citrus, ginger, garlic, chili paste, salt, and a spice mix like garam masala. The results are bold, flavorful, and delicious!
What Gives Tandoori Chicken Red Color?
I like to include a bit of red food coloring to get that distinct red hue, but other recipes achieve it with a hearty helping of paprika and cayenne pepper. You may also consider adding a bit of turmeric.
How is Tandoori Cooked?
As I mentioned, traditionally tandoori chicken is cooked in a tandoor, which is an oven made from clay. That said, most people don’t have this type of oven at home, so you can make yours in a conventional oven or on the grill.
