What ingredients go into a chicken tandoori recipe?

This chicken tandoori recipe features chicken, yogurt, and a tandoori spices mix with cumin, turmeric, paprika, garlic, ginger, and garam masala for bold flavor.

What gives chicken tandoori its red color?

The vibrant red hue in this chicken tandoori recipe often comes from paprika or a touch of food coloring, though turmeric adds a golden tone naturally.

What spices make up the tandoori mix in a chicken tandoori recipe?

The tandoori spices mix in this chicken tandoori recipe includes cumin, coriander, paprika, garam masala, and sometimes chili for a rich, aromatic blend.

How can I substitute the tandoori spices in a chicken tandoori recipe?

If you lack a tandoori spices mix, combine garam masala, cumin, paprika, and turmeric to mimic the flavors in this chicken tandoori recipe.

What does the marinade taste like in a chicken tandoori recipe?

The marinade in this chicken tandoori recipe offers a tangy, spicy, and smoky taste from yogurt, lemon juice, and the tandoori spices mix, perfectly balanced by garam masala.

Chicken Tandoori Recipe with Terra Massoud

Name: Chicken Tandoori Recipe with Terra Massoud
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks; 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat recommended); 2 tablespoons tandoori spices mix; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons); 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)

Description

Savor the bold flavors of this authentic Chicken Tandoori Recipe with Terra Massoud! Marinated in a yogurt-based tandoori spices mix with garam masala, cumin, and paprika, this juicy chicken is perfect for grilling, baking, or air frying. Paired with naan, raita, and basmati rice, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that brings Indian cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat recommended)
2 tablespoons tandoori spices mix
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, tandoori spices mix, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Score the chicken thighs or drumsticks with shallow cuts. Coat them thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring it gets into the cuts. Cover and refrigerate for 4-12 hours (overnight is best).
Choose Your Cooking Method:
Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Thread chicken onto skewers and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until fully cooked.
Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Cook chicken for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until it reaches 165°F internally.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with naan, raita, and basmati rice for a complete meal.

Notes

For a smoky flavor, try the charcoal trick: Place a lit charcoal piece in a foil cup, drizzle with oil, and set it in the dish with cooked chicken. Cover for 5 minutes.
Avoid marinating beyond 24 hours to prevent mushy texture.
Adjust spice levels by reducing cayenne or adding more yogurt for a milder taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling, Baking, Air Frying
Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: chicken tandoori recipe, tandoori spices mix, garam masala, Indian chicken recipe, easy tandoori chicken