By Chicken Tandoori is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Chicken Tandoori captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Chicken Tandoori becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
4 bone-in chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs), skin removed
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 1 tbsp each minced ginger and garlic)
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted ghee
Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and oil. Mix until you have a smooth, thick marinade.
Marinate the chicken:
Make shallow cuts in the chicken legs to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat better.
Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Prepare to cook:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken for even cooking.
Cook the chicken:
Arrange the marinated chicken on the wire rack, shaking off any excess marinade.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through cooking. The chicken should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Broil for extra char:
If you want a more authentic tandoori char, switch your oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until slightly charred and crispy on the edges. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Tandoori is traditionally served with naan or basmati rice.
Pair it with a cooling cucumber raita (yogurt dip) and a side of pickled onions or a fresh salad.
For a more complete meal, add some roasted vegetables or a side of dal (lentils).
Enjoy your homemade, flavorful Chicken Tandoori!
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
