Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe 2025

Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe: Tandoori chicken is an aromatic flagrant dish that’s famous for its spices, smokiness and bright-red color. The dish is prepared by marinating chicken in a blend of yogurt, spices and herbs, and then cooking it in a tandoor (a traditional clay oven). But this dish can be easily replicated at home in a regular oven or on the grill. In this recipe, we’ll take you through the process of preparing the best tandoori chicken that will leave your family and guests all impressed.

Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken

Below are the ingredients needed to prepare best tandoori chicken:

For the Marinade:

  • 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces, skin-off)
  • 1 cup plain yogurt, preferably Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (for color)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (optional but adds authentic flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional—for a touch of sweetness)

For Cooking:

  • 2 tablespoons butter (to baste)
  • Cilantro or mint (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

How To Make Tandoori Chicken

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start with chicken pieces, washed and dried on a paper towel. This helps the marinade to adhere properly to the chicken.

Then, use a sharp knife to score each piece of chicken a couple of deep times. Since the brassica leaves are coarse with thick stalks, burying them in salt allows the marinade to seep through the meat properly, leaving it juicy and well-seasoned.

Step 2: Making the Marinade

Add yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, ginger-garlic paste and spices (garam masala through salt) to a large bowl. Combine everything until you make a smooth, thick marinade.

If you prefer a hint of sweetness, you can add honey to the marinade. And for an even more true tandoori kick, add crushed dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri methi).

Step 3: Marinate Chicken

Put the chicken pieces in the marinade and turn them around until well-coated, packing the marinade into the slashes you made above. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, so that its taste matures. It is up to you how long you wish to marinate the chicken, the longer it sits the stronger flavors will be!

Step 4: Preheat Oven or Grill

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if you are using one. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Step 5: Cook the Tandoori Chicken

  • The Oven: Set a baking tray with foil in the bottom and a rack over it This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken for an even cook. Lay the marinated chicken pieces on top of the rack and bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked through and the juices run clear. Baste the chicken with melted butter every 10 minutes while you cook it, so that it stays moist and savory.
  • The grill: Add the chicken pieces to the grill, rotating them periodically to ensure they brown on all sides. Grill for 20-25 minutes, or whatever until chicken is cooked through and has a little char on the outside. While grilling, baste with butter to add richness.

Step 6: Tandoori Chicken Serving

After the chicken is cooked, take it off and let it sit for a few minutes. Top with freshly chopped cilantro or mint leaves and serve lemon wedges alongside.

Naan bread, rice or a side of cool yogurt-based raita is usually served with Tandoori chicken in order to balance out the spices.

Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Photo by Jack Baghel

Tips for the Best Tandoori Chicken

Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks) are best because they remain juicy and flavorful during cooking.

Marinate Longer: Try to marinate the chicken overnight for better flavor.

Grill It for Authentic Flavor: Although you can prepare tandoori chicken in an oven, cooking it over charcoal or wood chips will impart the dish its charred, smoky flavor.

Adjust Spice Levels: You can add less chili powder to make the dish less spicy or vice versa.

Conclusion: Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe

So, tandoori chicken is an extremely flavorful and aromatic dish that’s suitable for any occasion. This delicious recipe is perfect for serving at a family dinner or special event. With the right marinade and cooking technique, you can produce tender, juicy chicken infused with that unmistakable smoky flavor that has made tandoori chicken a beloved dish around the globe.

FAQs

Is it suitable to use boneless chicken for tandoori chicken?

Boneless chicken will work, but bone-in pieces tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

How do you make tandoori chicken without a grill?

Can you cook tandoori chicken in a normal oven? You simply follow the instructions for how to bake them, and you get a great result.

What do you serve with tandoori chicken?

Tandoori chicken is often served with naan bread, basmati rice, or a cooling cucumber raita.

Can I freeze Tandoori Chicken?

Indeed marinated chicken can be frozen for 3 months. Simply defrost and prepare as normal when ready to serve.

What if I want my tandoori chicken spicier?

You can up the amount of red chili powder, or include some minced fresh green chilies in the marinade if you want your chicken extra-hot.

Related Tag: best tandoori chicken recipe, Authentic tandoori chicken recipe, Tandoori chicken marinade, Best tandoori chicken recipe oven, Tandoori chicken ingredients, Tandoori chicken curry recipe, Tandoori chicken breast recipe, How to make tandoori chicken in oven, Chicken tandoori masala.

Learn More-

Leave a Comment