Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Tandoori Chicken is bursting with flavor, thanks to the vibrant mix of spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, paired with the creaminess of yogurt. The chicken absorbs all of the marinade’s richness, creating a tender and juicy bite. Whether you’re using a grill or a grill pan, this recipe delivers the smoky, charred goodness of traditional tandoori cooking without the need for a tandoor oven. It’s simple to make, full of deep, complex flavors, and perfect for a delicious dinner or BBQ.
Ingredients
For these incredible Grilled Tandoori Chicken thighs, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skinless)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
About 30 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove Excess Marinade:
Take the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Before grilling, gently wipe off any excess marinade to prevent flare-ups while cooking.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a nice char on the outside. You may need to adjust the time depending on your grill.
6. Rest the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the grilled chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a refreshing zest that balances the rich, spiced flavors of the chicken.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (not including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
Variations
- Add Yogurt for Creaminess: For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of cream to the marinade along with the yogurt.
- Spicy Option: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add a finely chopped green chili to the marinade for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or paneer cubes, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, or until slightly charred.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken on the grill for a few minutes to maintain the charred exterior, or use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but since they’re leaner, they can dry out more quickly. Grill them for about 5-6 minutes per side, checking the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).
2. Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 1 hour?
Yes, marinating the chicken for longer, ideally 4 hours or overnight, will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
3. Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan works perfectly for this recipe. Just heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for the same amount of time.
4. How do I make the chicken extra smoky?
To enhance the smoky flavor, you can add wood chips to your grill, or use a charcoal grill for an even smokier result.
5. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work, but they cook faster. Be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
6. Can I make this recipe without the red chili powder?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the red chili powder, though it will result in a less spicy dish.
7. Can I use a marinade bag instead of a bowl?
Absolutely! A resealable plastic bag works great for marinating the chicken. Just make sure to remove excess air before sealing the bag.
8. How do I make the chicken more tender?
Marinating the chicken for a longer period, especially overnight, will help tenderize the meat and make it more flavorful.
9. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and marinate it the day before. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.
10. Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
Grilled Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful and simple dish that brings the smoky, spicy flavors of Indian cuisine straight to your plate. With its rich yogurt-based marinade and blend of fragrant spices, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Grilled to perfection, it’s tender, juicy, and full of vibrant flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Enjoy it with a side of rice, naan, or a crisp salad for a complete meal!
Grilled Tandoori Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (not including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish with tender, juicy chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt, spices, and fresh ingredients, grilled to perfection. This recipe brings the smoky, bold flavors of Indian tandoori cooking to your home without the need for a tandoor oven.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skinless)
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to taste)
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Wipe off any excess marinade before grilling.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a nice char.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish the grilled chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra smokiness, add wood chips to the grill or use a charcoal grill.
For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or paneer cubes and grill until slightly charred.
Use boneless chicken thighs for a quicker cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
