The Ultimate Tandoori Chicken Recipe – Smoky, Spicy & Simply Irresistible!

There’s something about tandoori chicken that makes you drool before the first bite. The smoky aroma, the spicy marinade, the juicy tenderness—it’s a whole experience. If you’ve been searching for the best tandoori chicken near me, stop right there! You can now make it at home.

Ingredients For Tandoori Chicken

To make a tandoori chicken whole or as drumsticks, here’s what you need:

• 10 – 12 FreshToHome antibiotic residue-free chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup yoghurt
• 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp tandoori masala
• 1 tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnishing
• Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Cut slits into the chicken pieces. Place them in a dish. Sprinkle with salt and lemon juice. Let it rest for 20 minutes. This step ensures the flavours seep into the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Tandoori Chicken Marinade

Mix yoghurt, ginger garlic paste, tandoori masala, chilli powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder in a bowl. Coat the chicken evenly with this marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours. The longer, the better!

Step 3: Cooking the Tandoori Chicken

Now comes the fun part—cooking it to smoky perfection. You’ve got options:

Grill it like a Pro

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grate. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook. Turn occasionally until charred and cooked through.

Tandoori Chicken in Tandoori Oven

If you’re lucky enough to own a tandoor, place the marinated chicken inside. Cook until golden and slightly crispy.

Chicken Tandoori in Microwave

Short on time? Pop the marinated chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes. Finish on a grill pan for the perfect texture.

Tandoori Chicken in Cooker

Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add the chicken and a splash of water. Cook for 2-3 whistles until juicy and tender.

Step 4: Serve & Devour

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lemon wedges. Pair with naan, rice, or a side of onion rings. Need a dipping sauce for tandoori chicken? Mint yoghurt chutney works like magic!

Variations to Try:

• Chicken Tandoori Tikka – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before marinating. Skewer and grill until charred.
• Murgh Tikka Tandoori – Use boneless chicken cubes for a restaurant-style experience.
• Afghani Chicken Tandoori – Replace tandoori masala with a mix of cream, cashew paste, and cardamom for a milder, creamier taste.
• Chicken Afghani Tandoori – Similar to Afghani tandoori, but with an extra dash of black pepper for a bolder flavour.
• Chicken Kebab Tandoori – Shape the marinated meat around skewers and grill to smoky perfection.
• Chicken Tandoori Drumsticks –Marinate chicken drumsticks in tandoori masala marinade  and grill them to perfection.

Is Tandoori Chicken Healthy?

Absolutely! It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with flavour. Plus, it’s cooked without deep frying. A guilt-free indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Tandoori Chicken Recipe

• Easy to make – No tandoor? No problem! You can make it in different ways.
• Packed with flavour – Spices, yoghurt, and lemon juice make it incredibly tasty.
• Perfect for every occasion – A weeknight dinner or a fancy feast, this dish fits all.

Final Thoughts

Making tandoori chicken at home is easier than you think. Whether grilled, baked, or cooked in a pressure cooker, it never fails to impress. So, skip the restaurant and bring the smoky goodness to your own kitchen!

Now tell me—are you craving some tandoori chicken yet? Because I am!