How to make BBQ or grilled Tandoori chicken Masala

How to Make BBQ or Grilled Tandoori Chicken Masala at Home

When you think of Indian cuisine, some dishes immediately come to mind. Tandoori chicken, fluffy naan, and delicious tandoori roti are among the most popular. These meals are often prepared using a tandoor, which is a traditional clay oven known for creating that unique smoky flavor. You can find these dishes in Indian restaurants across the USA and Canada, where chefs often prepare them in an open kitchen, allowing customers to see the tandoor in action.

For those who love cooking at home, making these dishes is easier than you might think. With the help of a Portable Home Tandoor Oven, you can recreate that authentic taste right in your backyard or kitchen. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make grilled or barbecued Tandoori Chicken Masala using simple ingredients and a few easy steps.

What is a Tandoor?

A tandoor is a clay oven traditionally used in Indian cooking. It can be above ground or buried and is heated with wood or charcoal to temperatures between 600°F and 900°F. These high temperatures cook food quickly while giving it a distinctive smoky flavor. Modern tandoors may also use gas or electricity, making them more accessible for home use.

Why Use a Tandoor for Cooking?

Cooking in a tandoor is different from using a regular oven or grill. The high heat seals in the juices, keeping meats tender and flavorful. The clay walls of the tandoor also add a unique earthy taste to the food. In Indian culture, the tandoor isn’t just a cooking tool; it’s a tradition that brings people together, whether they’re enjoying tandoori chicken or freshly baked naan.

Preparing the Tandoori Chicken Masala

Let’s get started with making delicious BBQ or grilled Tandoori Chicken Masala at home. This recipe is perfect for a small gathering or a family meal. The following instructions serve four people, but you can easily adjust the quantities to make more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Tandoori Chicken Masala:

• • Indian BBQ Tandoori Masala: 3 tablespoons

• • Yogurt: 3 tablespoons

• • Vinegar: 3 tablespoons

• • Lemon juice: 3 tablespoons

• • Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons

• • Skinless chicken breasts or thighs: 4 pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tandoori Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare and cook your Tandoori Chicken Masala using a tandoor or grill.

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, mix together the Tandoori Masala, yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Stir well to make sure everything is combined. The yogurt adds creaminess, while the vinegar and lemon juice provide a tangy flavor. The oil helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Take your skinless chicken breasts or thighs and make several deep slashes on each piece. These cuts help the marinade penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful. The slashes should be deep enough to reach the middle of the chicken but not cut all the way through.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get it into the slashes you made earlier. This step is important because it allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors. Cover the chicken and let it marinate for at least 4-5 hours. For the best results, marinate it overnight in the fridge.

Step 4: Preheat the Tandoor

If you have a Portable Home Tandoor Oven, preheat it to medium-high heat, which is about 600°F. If you’re using a gas or electric tandoor, you can set the temperature to around 500°F. For traditional charcoal or wood-fired tandoors, let the heat build up until the walls are hot and glowing.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on skewers. If you don’t have skewers, you can use a grilling rack. Cook the chicken in the tandoor for 10-15 minutes on each side. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 170°F.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the tandoor and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it hot with naan or any other flatbread. You can also add some fresh salad or chutney on the side for extra flavor.

Tips for Cooking Tandoori Chicken at Home

Using a Portable Home Tandoor Oven makes it easy to bring authentic tandoori flavors to your home kitchen or backyard. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your cooking experience:

1. • Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh Indian spices for your Tandoori Masala. Spices lose their potency over time, so make sure to buy good-quality spices.

1. • Don’t Skip the Marination: Marinating the chicken is essential for getting the flavors to soak in. The longer you marinate, the better the taste.

1. • Use a Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer helps ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection. It should reach 170°F for safe consumption.

Making Naan Bread in Your Tandoor

Now that you’ve made your Tandoori Chicken, why not add some naan bread to complete the meal? Naan is a popular Indian flatbread made with flour, yeast, salt, and water. It’s soft and fluffy with a slightly crispy crust, thanks to the high heat of the tandoor.

Ingredients for Naan Bread

• • All-purpose flour: 2 cups

• • Warm water: 1/2 cup

• • Yeast: 1 teaspoon

• • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon

• • Yogurt: 2 tablespoons

• • Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Naan

1. • Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix the flour, yeast, salt, yogurt, and oil. Slowly add the warm water and knead until you have a soft dough. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

1. • Shape the Naan: Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a flat oval shape. You can make it as thick or thin as you like.

1. • Cook in the Tandoor: Use a naan skewer or place the naan directly on the wall of the tandoor. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread puffs up and gets brown spots.

1. • Serve Hot: Take the naan out of the tandoor and brush it with melted butter or garlic for extra flavor.

Exploring More Tandoori Dishes

A tandoor isn’t just for chicken and naan. There are many other delicious dishes you can try. Here are some popular options to consider.

Tandoori Roti

This whole wheat flatbread is a healthier option compared to naan. It’s simple to make and perfect for scooping up curries and dips.

Tandoori Fish

Marinate fish fillets in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and Indian spices. Grill the fish in the tandoor for a few minutes on each side for a light and flavorful meal.

Tandoori Paneer Tikka

This vegetarian dish features cubes of paneer cheese marinated in a spicy yogurt mixture. Cook the paneer on skewers in the tandoor until it’s golden and slightly charred.

Advantages of Using a Portable Home Tandoor Oven

Having a Portable Home Tandoor Oven offers a lot of benefits. Here’s why you should consider adding one to your cooking tools:

1. • Authentic Taste: Get that real tandoori flavor that you can’t achieve with a regular oven or grill.

1. • Quick Cooking: The high heat cooks food faster than most other methods. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

1. • Versatile Use: Cook everything from meats to breads, and even try desserts like baked apples or caramelized bananas.

1. • Easy to Use: With gas, electric, and traditional options available, a Portable Home Tandoor Oven is simple to operate.

1. • Great for Outdoor Cooking: Enjoy barbecuing in your backyard with friends and family. The tandoor adds a special touch to any outdoor meal.

How to Maintain Your Tandoor

To keep your tandoor in good condition, follow these simple maintenance tips:

1. • Clean After Each Use: Remove food debris and ashes if you’re using a wood or charcoal tandoor. For gas or electric tandoors, wipe the inside with a damp cloth.

1. • Protect from Moisture: If you have a clay tandoor, make sure to cover it when not in use to prevent moisture from damaging the clay.

1. • Check for Cracks: Inspect your tandoor regularly for any cracks or damage. Fix any minor cracks using a clay mixture to prevent them from getting worse.

1. • Season Your Tandoor: Like cast iron cookware, a clay tandoor benefits from seasoning. This helps to prevent food from sticking and adds flavor to the dishes.

Bringing the Tandoori Experience to Your Backyard

Owning a Portable Home Tandoor Oven brings a new level of excitement to backyard cooking. Hosting a tandoori-themed barbecue is a great way to share the flavors of India with friends and family. You can even make it a fun cooking experience by letting guests grill their own skewers.

Here are some ideas for hosting a tandoori barbecue at home:

• • Set Up a Skewer Station: Provide a variety of meats, vegetables, and paneer. Let guests choose their favorites and grill their own skewers.

• • Offer Different Marinades: Have a selection of marinades, such as classic Tandoori Masala, garlic herb, or spicy chili. This allows everyone to customize their skewers.

• • Make a Bread Corner: Prepare some naan and roti dough ahead of time. Show your guests how to cook the bread on the walls of the tandoor. It’s a unique and fun way to involve everyone in the cooking process.

• • Serve Refreshing Drinks: Complement the spicy flavors with cool drinks like mango lassi, mint lemonade, or traditional Indian chai tea.

What to Look for When Buying a Portable Home Tandoor Oven

If you’re thinking about getting a Portable Home Tandoor Oven, there are some things to consider before making your purchase.

1. • Size and Weight: Make sure the size fits your space. You don’t want it to be too large if you have limited outdoor space.

1. • Fuel Type: Decide whether you want a gas, electric, or traditional wood/charcoal tandoor. Each has its pros and cons, so choose what works best for your lifestyle.

1. • Material: Look for high-quality clay or metal construction. This will ensure that your tandoor lasts a long time and withstands the high cooking temperatures.

1. • Ease of Use: If you’re new to using a tandoor, look for models that are easy to operate and come with clear instructions.

1. • Accessories: Some tandoors come with extra features like skewers, naan paddles, and cleaning tools. These can make your cooking experience even better.

Safety Tips for Using Your Tandoor

Using a tandoor is fun, but safety should always come first. Follow these tips to ensure you cook safely:

1. • Use Heat-Resistant Gloves: The tandoor gets very hot, so protect your hands with gloves.

1. • Keep Children Away: Always supervise children and keep them at a safe distance from the tandoor.

1. • Use the Right Tools: Skewers, naan paddles, and tongs made for tandoor cooking can help you handle food safely.

1. • Ventilate Your Cooking Area: If you’re using a tandoor indoors, make sure the area is well-ventilated to prevent smoke buildup.

Cooking Different Cuisines in a Tandoor

Although tandoors are traditionally used for Indian food, they’re versatile enough for other cuisines too. You can try grilling Mediterranean kebabs, Middle Eastern bread, or even pizzas for a different twist.

• Mediterranean Flavors: Grill lamb skewers marinated with olive oil, lemon, and herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Middle Eastern Delights: Cook pita bread or shawarma-style chicken using your tandoor.
• Tandoori Pizza: Use the high heat to make pizzas with a crispy crust. Top with your favorite ingredients and cook in the tandoor for a unique flavor.

Why You Should Try a Portable Home Tandoor Oven

A Portable Home Tandoor Oven offers a unique way to cook and enjoy food. It brings people together, adds excitement to outdoor cooking, and creates flavors that are hard to match with other methods. The high heat, smoky flavor, and crispy texture make every meal special.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, a tandoor can open up a whole new world of culinary possibilities. Start with simple recipes like Tandoori Chicken and naan, and then explore more dishes as you get comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Cooking with a tandoor isn’t just about making food. It’s about creating an experience, connecting with tradition, and sharing delicious meals with loved ones. With a Portable Home Tandoor Oven, you can easily bring the magic of tandoori cooking to your home. Try it for yourself, experiment with different recipes, and discover the joy of cooking in a tandoor.

About Tandoor Morni

Tandoor Morni, in business since 1992, is a trusted name in premium Tandoori Clay Ovens, known for crafting high-quality traditional and commercial tandoors. With a commitment to excellence, Tandoor Morni offers a wide range of tandoors, including commercial, residential, catering, and copper models. Our tandoors are built with durable materials and designed for efficient heat distribution, ensuring authentic flavors and fast cooking. Each oven features customizable options like gas, wood fire, or charcoal compatibility, making them suitable for various cooking needs. For more information or to place an order, contact us at Phone Number: +1(727) 251 6924 or email us at info@tandoormorni.com. Visit our website at www.tandoormorni.com to explore our full range of products.