Homemade Chicken Tandoori Recipe

Here’s a simple and delicious chicken tandoori recipe for you:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon tandoori masala (available at Indian grocery stores or online)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken leg quarters or 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless)
• Fresh cilantro or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, tandoori masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt.
• Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a rack on top (if you don’t have a rack, you can cook the chicken directly on the foil, but using a rack helps with even cooking and crispiness).
• Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the rack or directly on the foil, making sure they’re not touching each other.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred appearance. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves, if desired.
• Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your homemade chicken tandoori! If you have any more questions or need further tips, feel free to ask.