Easy & Authentic Indian Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Start by washing your chicken pieces under cold water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This ensures that your spices stick well and also that the chicken will cook evenly. With a sharp knife, carefully make deep incisions in the thicker parts of the chicken pieces to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply for more flavor.

Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with salt and rub it all over the chicken. Set it aside for 30 minutes. This not only flavors the chicken but also starts the tenderizing process. For the marinade, tie yogurt in a cheesecloth and strain it over a bowl to remove excess water, then blend it with garlic paste and spices till smooth. Coat the chicken generously with this mixture and let it marinate. The thicker the coat, the richer the flavor!

Preheat your oven to 450°F on broil mode. Arrange your marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet and brush with oil. The high heat will crisp the skin and lock in the juicy flavors. For an authentic charred tandoori appearance, broil the chicken till evenly golden. If you’d like to add a smoky flavor, lightly char a piece of charcoal, place it in a heatproof dish, and then place it amidst the chicken pieces, covering everything briefly with foil. This simple trick infuses a smoky aroma reminiscent of traditional tandoori ovens.

Serve your delicious Tandoori Chicken hot, garnished with slices of onion, tomatoes, and wedges of lemon. Don't forget a generous serving of mint and coriander chutney on the side for that extra zing. For a final touch, a sprinkle of chaat masala will bring all the flavors together for an unforgettable meal.