If you are a fan of Indian cuisine, or simply someone with a penchant for trying out new dishes, then making Tandoori Grilled Chicken at home will be a culinary adventure you’ll enjoy.
This recipe is a delectable fusion of smoky flavors and juicy tenderness, all marinated in a blend of yogurt and aromatic spices, and then grilled to perfection.
Why You’ll Love It
Flavorful: The use of various Indian spices and a yogurt-based marinade gives the Tandoori Grilled Chicken a robust and unique flavor that is savory, tangy, and slightly smoky.
Easy to Make: Despite its exotic origins, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare at home, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a simple grilling process.
Healthy: Grilled chicken is a great protein source, and when marinated in yogurt and spices, it becomes a healthy meal that is low in fat and high in nutrients.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients (For 4 Peoples)
- 1.5 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 juicy lemons
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium onion, peeled and quartered
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 1 fresh hot green chile, roughly sliced
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-step Instructions for Making Tandoori Grilled Chicken
Step 1- Marinate the Chicken: Begin by cutting 2-3 diagonal incisions on each side of the chicken pieces. Squeeze lemon over the chicken, sprinkle with salt and gently rub the mixture into the slits. Turn the chicken over and repeat with the remaining lemon and salt. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
Step 2- Prepare the Marinade: In a food processor or blender, blend together the yogurt, onion, garlic, ginger, green chile, and garam masala into a smooth paste. Transfer this spice paste to a large bowl.
Step 3- Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken to the bowl and turn until coated evenly in the spice paste. Make sure the paste gets into the slits. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, up to 24 hours.
Step 4- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Step 5- Serve: Serve the chicken with lemon wedges and your choice of sides.
Tips for Making Tandoori Grilled Chicken Perfectly
Marinate Longer: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 5 hours of marination, but overnight marination is ideal.
Use Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt and sticks to the chicken better. This results in a more flavorful and juicy chicken.
Control the Heat: Grilled chicken can easily become dry if the heat is too high. Cook the chicken on moderate heat and turn it regularly to ensure it cooks evenly.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients, especially fresh spices, can significantly enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for at least five minutes before serving. This helps to lock in the juices, resulting in moister and more flavorful chicken.
Nutritional Facts
Amount Per serving:
- Calories: 570
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 214mg
- Sodium: 622mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 46g
What to Serve With It
Tandoori Grilled Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with basmati or jasmine rice, a fresh salad, or naan bread. You can also offer a tangy yogurt dip or a spicy curry sauce on the side for added flavor.
How to Store and Reheat It
- Fridge: Store leftover Tandoori Grilled Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Ensure it is cooled completely before freezing.
- Reheat: To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight if frozen, then heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Conclusion
Tandoori Grilled Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine right to your dining table. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main course for dinner, or as a flavorful addition to salads or wraps. So, fire up your grill and indulge in this delicious culinary journey to India!
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken. However, bone-in chicken tends to be juicier and more flavorful.
2. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
You can use regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt is thicker and will stick to the chicken better, resulting in a better flavor.
3. Can I cook the chicken in an oven if I don’t have a grill?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in an oven preheated to 400°F for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
4. Can I use other meats for this recipe?
While traditional Tandoori is made with chicken, you can try this recipe with other meats like lamb or beef, or even fish.
5. Is Tandoori Grilled Chicken spicy?
The spice level of Tandoori Grilled Chicken can be adjusted to your liking. You can add more or less chili according to your preference.