Tandoori Chicken Spicy Marinated (Printable)
Juicy chicken thighs in aromatic spiced yogurt, oven-roasted with smoky charred edges
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs and drumsticks
→ Marinade
02 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
05 - 1 tbsp garlic paste (about 4 cloves)
06 - 1 tbsp ginger paste (about 2-inch piece)
07 - 2 tsp ground coriander
08 - 2 tsp ground cumin
09 - 2 tsp garam masala
10 - 1.5 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
11 - 1 tsp turmeric powder
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
→ Garnish & Serving
14 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - Lemon wedges
16 - Fresh cilantro leaves
# Steps:
01 - Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts in the chicken pieces to allow marinade penetration.
02 - Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, coriander, cumin, garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
03 - Add chicken to the marinade, coating each piece completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
04 - Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
05 - Arrange marinated chicken on the rack, shaking off excess marinade. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
06 - Broil on high for 2-3 minutes for authentic smokiness, or grill over hot coals for a few minutes per side.
07 - Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced red onion, lemon wedges, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The yogurt marinade creates impossibly tender meat while infusing every bite with deep, earthy spices
- You get that authentic tandoor flavor right in your home oven without any special equipment
02 -
- Six hours is the absolute minimum marinating time, but overnight transforms good chicken into unforgettable chicken
- The wire rack is non negotiable for crispy edges, and placing it at least 6 inches from your broiler prevents burning
03 -
- Pat the chicken very dry before scoring to help the marinade adhere better
- Let the chicken come to room temperature for 20 minutes before roasting for more even cooking