How to Make Tandoori Chicken – Easy Recipe

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Tandoori Chicken Recipe – Smoky, Juicy & Bursting with Flavor!

Have you ever tasted something so flavorful that it made you go “WOW”?
That’s the magic of Tandoori Chicken — a dish that’s not just food, it’s an experience.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make tandoori chicken at home, even without a tandoor! From the perfect marinade to oven, grill, or air fryer cooking, this recipe will give you that restaurant-style taste right in your kitchen.



What is Tandoori Chicken?

Tandoori chicken is a classic Indian dish where chicken is marinated in a spiced yogurt mix and then roasted — traditionally in a clay oven called a “tandoor.”

But don’t worry — you can still make the same smoky, juicy chicken using your oven, grill, or air fryer!

This dish is known for:

  • Its fiery red color

  • Crispy outside, juicy inside texture

  • And aromatic, bold flavor

It’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or even meal prep.

🥣 Ingredients – Tandoori Chicken Marinade

The secret to great tandoori chicken is in the marinade. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken (bone-in or boneless) – 500g
Thick yogurt (curd) – 1/2 cup
Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
Red chili powder – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
Garam masala – 1 tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Cumin powder – 1/2 tsp
Salt – to taste
Mustard oil – 1 tbsp (or any neutral oil)
Optional: A pinch of red food color for the classic look

How to Make Tandoori Chicken (Step-by-Step)

🥄 Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, spices, oil, and ginger-garlic paste until smooth and creamy.

🍗 Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Make small cuts on the chicken pieces. This helps the marinade go deep inside.
Coat the chicken well and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours — overnight is best!

 Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Option 1 – Oven:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Bake the chicken on a rack for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Option 2 – Grill:
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until charred and cooked through.

Option 3 – Air Fryer:
Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 15–20 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, sprinkle with lemon juice, add onion rings and fresh coriander. Serve hot with naan, rice, or chutney.


Tikka Tandoori Chicken – A Quick Twist

If you’re looking for a boneless version, try Tikka Tandoori Chicken! It’s made using the same marinade but with bite-sized pieces of chicken, often served on skewers — perfect for wraps or party platters.

Pro Tips for Perfect Tandoori Chicken

  • Use thick curd – watery yogurt will make it runny

  • Let the chicken rest after cooking – juices stay inside

  • Add a smoky flavor: heat a piece of charcoal, place in a bowl with cooked chicken, and cover for 2 mins

  • Want it spicy? Add green chili paste to the marinade

Final Thoughts

This tandoori chicken recipe is more than just a dish — it’s a celebration of Indian spices, smoky flavor, and juicy goodness.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will surely become your favorite.

So go ahead — marinate, cook, and enjoy!


Location: India

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