Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Name: Grilled Tandoori Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons tandoori masala; 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Discover the vibrant and aromatic taste of Grilled Tandoori Chicken that brings a taste of India right to your grill. Marinated in a blend of yogurt and traditional spices, this chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dish for barbecues or family dinners. Serve with fresh naan or a side salad for a delightful meal experience that everyone will love.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-28T06:03:28.300Z

Grilled Tandoori Chicken is not just a dish; it's a culinary journey that takes you to the heart of India. The secret lies in the marinade, which combines yogurt and an array of spices that create an unforgettable flavor profile.

The Magic of Tandoori Cooking

Tandoori cooking originated in India, utilizing a traditional clay oven called a tandoor, which gives food a unique smoky flavor. While grilling at home may not mimic the tandoor's exact taste, marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices captures that essence beautifully. The combination of high heat and careful marination ensures that the chicken turns out juicy, tender, and infused with aromatic spices. Incorporating techniques from traditional Indian cuisine brings authenticity to your grill while making it accessible to everyone.

What sets tandoori chicken apart is its vibrant color and complex flavor profile. The spices in tandoori masala, including cumin, coriander, and paprika, not only promote wonderful taste but also provide an array of health benefits. This blend can boost your immune system, improve digestion, and even help with inflammation. When grilling chicken tandoori, you are not just making a dish; you are creating a delightful experience that promises to delight the senses.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Grilled Tandoori Chicken shines as the star of any meal, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Fresh naan is a classic accompaniment; it’s perfect for scooping up the flavorful chicken and soaking up any sauces. Alternatively, a refreshing cucumber salad with yogurt dressing can balance the dish's spices and provide a cool counterpoint to the warmth of the chicken. Consider pairing it with basmati rice or pilaf for a complete and satisfying dinner option.

For an authentic Indian meal experience, you might want to serve some chutneys, like mint or tamarind, alongside the grilled chicken. These add an extra layer of flavor that enhances the dish’s appeal. Additionally, planning a casual outdoor gathering? Prepare a selection of other grilled vegetables to complement the chicken, offering your guests a variety of vibrant, healthy options. This approach ensures everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied.

Adjusting Spice Levels for Everyone

One of the great aspects of grilling tandoori chicken is that you can easily adjust the spice level to accommodate your guests' preferences. If you’re cooking for children or those who prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of tandoori masala or ginger-garlic paste in your marinade. Alternatively, you might also choose to add more spices to heat things up for your adventurous eaters, ensuring that the dish caters to everyone’s palate.

Another tip for controlling spice levels is to serve the chicken with dipping sauces on the side. By providing options like yogurt sauce or mango chutney, you can allow each guest to customize their meal according to their taste. This interactive element turns a simple dinner into a fun and memorable experience, encouraging everyone to sample the chicken and decide how spicy they’d like to make their plate. No matter the spice level, this tandoori chicken will surely be a hit.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons tandoori masala
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to prepare all ingredients before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Grilled Tandoori Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and salt. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and has a nice char.

Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Tandoori Chicken with naan or salad!

Nutritional Benefits

Grilled Tandoori Chicken not only pleases the taste buds but also offers nutritional benefits. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, critical for muscle maintenance and overall health. The yogurt marinade adds calcium and probiotics, which can support gut health and digestion. With the added spices, you can reap health benefits such as improved metabolism and reduced inflammation, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.

Incorporating a variety of spices enhances the dish’s nutritional profile further. Ingredients like turmeric and ginger, commonly found in tandoori recipes, have anti-inflammatory properties that can promote overall wellness. This means that each bite isn’t just packed with flavor; it provides your body with important nutrients that contribute to your health.

Variations to Explore

While this recipe focuses on chicken, the tandoori marinade can be adapted for other proteins. Try applying the same marinade to shrimp or fish, which also cook well on the grill. You could even experiment with using tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version, allowing everyone to enjoy the bold flavors of tandoori cooking regardless of their dietary preferences.

Feel free to explore different vegetables as well. Marinating and grilling bell peppers, onions, or zucchini in tandoori spices can create colorful and tasty sides that complement your chicken perfectly. This versatility not only brings diversity to your meal but also encourages creativity in the kitchen, empowering you to personalize this recipe every time you make it.

Grilling Tips for Perfection

To achieve perfectly grilled tandoori chicken, ensuring even marination is key. After coating the chicken thighs in your marinade, allow them to sit for a few hours—preferably overnight. This step allows the spices to permeate the meat deeply, resulting in a more flavorful bite. Always remember to preheat your grill properly, as starting with high heat helps to sear the chicken and seal in moisture, keeping it juicy.

Finally, avoid flipping the chicken too often while grilling. Let it cook on one side before turning; this not only promotes a better char but also ensures it doesn't stick to the grill. Allow it to rest briefly after grilling to let the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and tender. With these tips in mind, you’ll consistently achieve grilled tandoori chicken that is beautifully flavorful and satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken; just adjust the cooking time.

→ Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! The marinade can be prepared, and the chicken can be marinated the day before.