making tandoori chicken recipe

making tandoori chicken recipe preparation

Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its vibrant color and delicious flavors. Here's a basic recipe to prepare it:

### Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 lbs, cut into pieces or chicken drumsticks/thighs

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala (available in Indian grocery stores)

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or finely minced ginger and garlic)

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- Salt to taste

- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

- Chopped cilantro and lemon wedges for garnish

### Instructions:

1. **Marinate the Chicken:**

   - In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika or chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper if using.

   - Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth marinade.

   - Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. You can make small gashes on the chicken to help the marinade penetrate better.

   - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a large ziplock bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

2. **Preheat the Oven or Grill:**

   - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you're using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.

3. **Cooking:**

   - If using an oven, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the wire rack, leaving some space between them.

   - If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken directly on the grill.

   - Cook the chicken for about 25-30 minutes in the oven, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. If grilling, cook for about 10-12 minutes per side or until cooked through.

   - Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the chicken with a fork; the juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

4. **Serve:**

   - Once done, remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

   - Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Tandoori chicken pairs well with naan bread, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your homemade tandoori chicken!