Chicken Tandoori Recipe
Chicken Tandoori is a flavorful and popular Indian dish known for its vibrant spices and smoky taste. Here’s a recipe you can try:
### Ingredients:
#### For the Marinade:
– 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works well too)
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons tandoori masala (available at Indian grocery stores or online)
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon ground coriander
– 1 tablespoon paprika (for color)
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon ground red chili powder (adjust to taste for heat)
– 2 teaspoons minced garlic
– 2 teaspoons minced ginger
– 1 teaspoon salt
For the Chicken:
– 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or drumsticks, if preferred)
– Fresh cilantro or mint for garnish (optional)
– Lemon wedges for serving
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Marinade:**
– In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, tandoori masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, garlic, ginger, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth paste.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:**
– Make a few shallow cuts in the chicken pieces to help the marinade penetrate better.
– Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade, making sure it gets into the cuts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.
3. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a convection setting, use it to help with even cooking and crispiness.
4. **Prepare the Baking Sheet:**
– Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. You can also place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow the chicken to cook evenly and get crispy.
5. **Bake the Chicken:**
– Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the wire rack or directly on the baking sheet if you’re not using a rack.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You may want to broil the chicken for the last 3-5 minutes to get a charred effect, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
6. **Serve:**
– Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint if desired.
– Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side and your favorite accompaniments like naan, rice, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tandoori! If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, let me know, and I can suggest modifications
