What are the ingredients for chicken tandoori?

A traditional tandoori chicken recipe includes chicken, plain yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, paprika, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. These ingredients come together to form a marinade that tenderizes and flavors the chicken deeply.

What is the secret to juicy tandoori chicken?

The secret is in the marinade time and cooking temperature. Marinate for at least 6 hours (or overnight), and cook the chicken on high heat—whether using a grill, oven, or air fryer. Resting the chicken after cooking also helps retain moisture.

What is tandoori marinade made of?

The marinade in a tandoori chicken recipe is a blend of full-fat yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and a mix of warming spices like cumin, garam masala, coriander, paprika, and chili powder. The yogurt not only adds tang but also acts as a natural tenderizer.

What spices are used in Indian chicken marinade?

Common spices include cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, garam masala, black pepper, and sometimes fenugreek or mustard powder. These spices create the earthy, bold, and slightly smoky flavor Indian tandoori chicken is known for.

Tandoori Chicken Recipe: 7 Secrets to Delicious Results

Name: Tandoori Chicken Recipe: 7 Secrets to the Ultimate Juicy Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken (bone-in pieces); 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp garlic paste; 1 tbsp ginger paste; 1 tbsp paprika; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp turmeric; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; 1½ tsp salt; 2 tbsp neutral oil; Optional: red food coloring

Description

This juicy tandoori chicken recipe is packed with authentic Indian spices and easy to cook in the oven, grill, or air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs chicken (bone-in pieces)

1 cup plain full-fat yogurt

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp garlic paste

1 tbsp ginger paste

1 tbsp paprika

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp chili powder

½ tsp turmeric

½ tsp cayenne pepper

1½ tsp salt

2 tbsp neutral oil

Optional: red food coloring

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Instructions

1. Score chicken with deep cuts.

2. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices in a bowl.

3. Massage marinade into chicken and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.

4. Preheat oven to 425°F or heat grill/air fryer.

5. Cook chicken 25–30 minutes in oven, or 18–20 minutes in air fryer.

6. Broil for 2–3 minutes for charred finish if desired.

7. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight.

Adjust chili powder to your spice preference.

Serve with rice, naan, and cooling yogurt sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking, Grilling, Air Frying
Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 290
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 110mg