Tandoori Chicken Recipe: Juicy, Flavor-Packed Indian BBQ at Home

Love bold, smoky flavors? Craving Indian restaurant-style grilled chicken without leaving your house? Tandoori Chicken Recipe delivers all that and more—right from your oven, grill, or air fryer.

But here’s the real question: Can you really get that authentic flavor without a clay tandoor oven?

🔥 What is Tandoori Chicken?

Tandoori Chicken is a North Indian classic made by marinating chicken in a spiced yogurt mixture and roasting it at high heat (traditionally in a tandoor). The result? Charred edges, juicy interior, and deeply layered flavor.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Bold spices. Creamy yogurt. Fresh citrus. Here’s what brings the magic.

• Chicken – 2 lbs bone-in thighs or drumsticks (skinless)
• Plain yogurt – 1 cup (preferably Greek)
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
• Garam masala – 1.5 teaspoons
• Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
• Paprika – 2 teaspoons (for color)
• Turmeric – ½ teaspoon
• Kashmiri chili powder (or cayenne) – ½ teaspoon (optional)
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Oil – 2 tablespoons

🖼️ Image Alt Text Suggestion: “Juicy grilled tandoori chicken with charred edges and lemon wedges”

🥣 How to Make Tandoori Chicken at Home

🔪 Step 1: Score the Chicken

Make deep cuts in the chicken pieces so the marinade can soak in.

🧂 Step 2: Mix the Marinade

Whisk yogurt, spices, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger in a large bowl.

🛁 Step 3: Marinate (Time = Flavor!)

Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

🔥 Step 4: Cook

• Oven: Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes. Broil for last 3 minutes for char.
• Grill: Cook on high heat for 6–8 minutes per side.
• Air Fryer: 380°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

🍋 Step 5: Serve Hot

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Tandoori Chicken

• Use full-fat yogurt for better flavor and moisture retention.
• Broil at the end to mimic tandoor charring.
• Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

🥗 What to Serve with Tandoori Chicken

Pair this dish with:

• Mint chutney or yogurt dip
• Jeera rice or saffron rice
• Warm naan or roti
• Cucumber raita for cooling contrast
  [INTERNAL LINK: Pair it with our Healthy Cucumber Raita Recipe]

✅ Health Benefits

Tandoori Chicken is not just flavorful—it’s also:

• Low carb & high protein
• Naturally gluten-free
• Made without heavy creams or gravies
• Packed with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and cumin

📦 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Oven or air fryer keeps it crispy. Avoid microwaving.

🧠 Did You Know?

The word “Tandoor” comes from the Persian word “tanur”, meaning clay oven. While you may not have a clay oven at home, your grill or broiler does a great job recreating the flavor.

🙌 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Tandoori Chicken

This easy, bold, and healthy recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen without the fuss. Whether you grill it for a summer BBQ or bake it for a cozy dinner, it’s sure to impress.