Tips for making perfect Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is a delicious and flavorful Indian dish that is famous all over the world. The dish is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices and then cooking it in a tandoor (clay oven). The high heat of the tandoor imparts a smoky flavor to the chicken, making it an irresistible dish. In this blog post, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make tandoori chicken at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Coriander leaves, for garnish

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

The first step in making tandoori chicken is to marinate the chicken. In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, salt, and lemon juice. Add the chicken and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.

Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The yogurt also helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Tandoori chicken is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, but you can also make it in a regular oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the chicken for baking

Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Thread the chicken onto skewers and brush with oil.

If you're using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

Step 4: Bake the chicken

Place the chicken skewers on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Turn the skewers once halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with mint chutney and onion rings.

Tandoori chicken is a great dish to serve as an appetizer or as part of a main course. It pairs well with naan bread, rice, or salad.

Tips for making perfect tandoori chicken:

• Use bone-in chicken for better flavor and texture.
• Don't skip the marination step as it is essential for tenderizing the meat and infusing it with flavor.
• Use a mix of spices for the marinade, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala powder.
• Use fresh lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
• Brush the chicken with oil before baking to prevent it from sticking to the skewers and to help it cook evenly.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor.
• Serve with mint chutney and onion rings for a complete meal experience.

In conclusion, tandoori chicken is a dish that is loved by people all over the world for its smoky flavor and tender texture. While traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), it can be easily made at home in a regular oven with a few simple ingredients.

The key to making perfect tandoori chicken is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices for at least 2 hours, and to use bone-in chicken for better flavor and texture.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can now make restaurant-quality tandoori chicken in the comfort of your own home. Serve it hot with mint chutney and onion rings for a complete meal experience that is sure to impress your family and friends.