Tandoori Chicken Recipe

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Authentic tandoori chicken features traditional marination in yogurt and spices, then grilled instead of clay oven cooking for accessible home preparation. This classic preparation demonstrates how traditional tandoori flavors can be achieved using conventional grilling equipment without sacrificing authentic taste. The yogurt and spice marinade ensures tender, flavorful results while the grilling process adds smoky notes that enhance the overall experience. This authentic approach honors traditional tandoori cooking while adapting techniques for modern home kitchens and equipment. The marinated chicken develops incredible flavor penetration that makes this tandoori preparation rival restaurant and traditional clay oven versions.

Looking down at a plate of indian tandoori chicken with onion and rice as sides.

Try this authentic tandoori chicken that’s marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked on the grill instead of a clay oven so you can make it at home. Serve with long-grain basmati rice, grilled veggies, roasted corn on the cob, and a cucumber salad.

Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
6 hrs 20 mins
Total Time:
7 hrs 5 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

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1x
2x

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 pounds chicken, cut into pieces

  • 1 medium lemon, juiced

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 ¼ cups plain yogurt

  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoons garam masala

  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (Optional)

  • 1 teaspoon yellow food coloring (Optional)

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped cilantro

  • 1 medium lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    all ingredients gathered to make Indian tandoori chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Remove and discard skin from chicken pieces. Cut slits into meat and place into a shallow dish. Season chicken on both sides with lemon juice and salt. Let sit for 20 minutes.

    sliced and seasoned chicken sitting in a baking dish

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Mix yogurt, onion, garlic, garam masala, ginger, and cayenne pepper together in a medium bowl until smooth, then stir in food coloring.

    yogurt mixture ingredients being combined in a small bowl.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Spread yogurt mixture over chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours (the longer the better).

    yogurt mixture spread over chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. When ready to cook, preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove chicken from marinade. Discard remaining marinade.

  6. Cook chicken on the preheated grill until no longer pink and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

    an overhead view of tandoori style bone in chicken being cooked on a hot grill.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Garnish with cilantro and lemon wedges.

    tandoori chicken garnished with cilantro and lemon wedges.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe Tip

This dish can also be baked in a 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

356 Calories
19g Fat
14g Carbs
36g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 356
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g24%
Saturated Fat 6g28%
Cholesterol 102mg34%
Sodium 734mg32%
Total Carbohydrate 14g5%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 36g71%
Vitamin C 45mg50%
Calcium 201mg15%
Iron 2mg12%
Potassium 575mg12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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John Davis
John Davis

Hi, I’m John Davis!
Food has always been my favorite way to connect with people, and that’s why I started blogging about it. I love sharing quick, creative recipes that prove cooking at home can be just as exciting as eating out. Whether it’s a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun snack, I enjoy keeping things simple, flavorful, and approachable for everyone. When I’m not experimenting in the kitchen, I’m usually exploring new cuisines or hunting for fresh inspiration at local markets.

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