Grilled

Indian Tandoori Chicken

Name: Indian Tandoori Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken thighs, boneless; 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

By Rosa Hartwell · June 19, 2026 · Grilled

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total60 min

Serves4

Indian Tandoori Chicken — Tender and flavorful tandoori chicken

As a home cook, I'm always excited to share recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make and perfect for the whole family. Indian Tandoori Chicken is one such dish that has become a staple in our household, and I'm thrilled to share it with you today. The combination of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice creates a tender and flavorful chicken that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

I still remember the first time I made tandoori chicken at home. I was a bit skeptical about the outcome, but the result was nothing short of amazing. The chicken was moist, the flavors were well-balanced, and the aroma was incredible. Since then, I've made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress.

What makes this recipe special is the use of a few key ingredients, including plain yogurt, garam masala, and cumin. These spices add a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other seasonings. Plus, the best part is that you can make it in the comfort of your own home, without needing any special equipment or ingredients.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it with a side of basmati rice, naan bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make authentic Indian Tandoori Chicken at home. From the marinade to the cooking process, I'll share all my tips and tricks to ensure that your chicken turns out tender, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The chicken is tender and flavorful, with a beautiful balance of spices
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion
You can make it ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later use
It's a great way to introduce your family to new flavors and cuisines
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can adjust the spices to your taste

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great tandoori chicken lies in the marinade. The combination of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and flavorful. The acidity in the lemon juice also helps to balance the richness of the yogurt, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of heat control. By cooking the chicken at a high temperature for a short period, we can achieve a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This technique is essential for creating that perfect tandoori flavor and texture.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, we allow the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful. This step is often overlooked, but it makes a huge difference in the final result.

By following these simple steps and using the right ingredients, you'll be able to create authentic Indian Tandoori Chicken at home that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients, including chicken thighs, plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of spices. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store, and they're relatively inexpensive. In this section, we'll go through each ingredient and explain why it's essential to the recipe.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. For example, use fresh lemons for the lemon juice, and choose plain yogurt that's free from additives and preservatives. These small details will make a big difference in the final result.

1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken thighs, bonelessChoose boneless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they're easier to cook and more tender than bone-in thighs. You can also use chicken breasts, but thighs have more flavor and texture.
1 cup (240ml) plain yogurtUse plain yogurt that's free from additives and preservatives. This will help to create a smooth and creamy marinade.
2 tablespoons lemon juiceFresh lemon juice is essential for this recipe, as it adds a nice acidity and brightness to the dish. You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always better.
2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oilGhee is a type of clarified butter that's commonly used in Indian cooking. It has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for high-heat cooking. You can substitute it with vegetable oil if you don't have ghee.
2 teaspoons garam masalaGaram masala is a blend of spices that's commonly used in Indian cooking. It adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish, and it's essential for creating that authentic tandoori taste.
1 teaspoon ground cuminGround cumin is another essential spice in this recipe. It adds a nice earthy flavor and helps to balance the other spices.
1/2 teaspoon ground corianderGround coriander is similar to cumin, but it has a slightly sweeter and more citrusy flavor. It adds a nice depth to the dish and helps to balance the other spices.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepperCayenne pepper adds a nice heat to the dish, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use just a pinch of cayenne pepper.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse plain salt for this recipe, as it helps to bring out the other flavors. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but be careful not to over-salt the dish.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is essential for this recipe, as it adds a nice depth and complexity to the dish. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowl for marinatingWhisk for mixing the marinadeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerTongs or spatula for turning the chickenCutting board for chopping the cilantro

How to Make Indian Tandoori Chicken

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, ghee or oil, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
4
Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
5
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will help the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender.
6
While the chicken is resting, chop the cilantro and prepare any sides or garnishes.
7
Slice the chicken into thin strips and serve with your choice of sides, such as basmati rice, naan bread, or roasted vegetables.
8
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
9
If you prefer to cook the chicken in the oven, preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C) and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
10
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
11
You can also make this recipe in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).

Expert Tips

Make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Don't over-marinate the chicken, as this can make it too salty and tough.
If you're using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to help the juices redistribute.
You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with your choice of sides for a well-rounded meal.
Experiment with different types of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt, for a unique flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-marinating the chicken, which can make it too salty and tough.
Not letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Not adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste, which can make the dish too spicy.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not soaking wooden skewers in water before grilling, which can cause them to burn.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of protein, such as chicken breasts or lamb, for a unique flavor and texture.
Experiment with different types of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some heat to the dish by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding some diced jalapenos.
Try using different types of oil, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some aromatics, such as onions or garlic, to the marinade for added depth and complexity.
Try serving the dish with different types of sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa, for a well-rounded meal.
Experiment with different types of spices, such as cumin or coriander, for a unique flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Indian Tandoori Chicken

This recipe is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as basmati rice, naan bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also try serving it with a salad or some raita, a yogurt-based side dish that's popular in Indian cuisine.

Some other ideas for serving this recipe include:

Serving it with some grilled or roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for a healthy and well-rounded meal.

Trying it with some different types of bread, such as pita or flatbread, for a unique flavor and texture.

Serving it with a side of dal, a type of lentil soup that's popular in Indian cuisine.

Serve with basmati rice and naan bread for a traditional Indian mealTry it with some roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for a healthy and well-rounded mealServe it with a side of dal, a type of lentil soup that's popular in Indian cuisineExperiment with different types of bread, such as pita or flatbread, for a unique flavor and texture

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply cook the chicken and let it cool, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

To freeze the chicken, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat the chicken, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Some tips for storing and reheating this recipe include:

Letting the chicken cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it, as this will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Using airtight containers or freezer-safe bags to store the chicken, as this will help to keep it fresh and prevent freezer burn.

Reheating the chicken to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), as this will help to ensure that it's safe to eat and prevent foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of yogurt should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of plain yogurt, such as regular, Greek, or coconut yogurt. Just make sure to choose a yogurt that's free from additives and preservatives.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of on the grill?

Yes, you can make this recipe in the oven instead of on the grill. Simply preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C) and cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).

How long can I store this recipe in the refrigerator?

You can store this recipe in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply cook the chicken and let it cool, then refrigerate it for later use.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe. Simply cook the chicken and let it cool, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What's the best way to reheat this recipe?

You can reheat this recipe in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. Simply thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as this can make it dry and tough.

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts are leaner than thighs, so they may cook more quickly and be more prone to drying out.

What's the best way to serve this recipe?

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and let it cool, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use. You can also make the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

The Full Recipe

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