How to make best tandoori chicken

How to Make the Best Tandoori Chicken at Home Using a Tandoor

Craving some delicious tandoori chicken? Imagine juicy, flavorful chicken cooked to perfection with a smoky char that you usually only get in Indian restaurants. You don’t need to be a professional chef or visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy this iconic dish. You can make it right at home using a tandoor. Whether you have an outdoor tandoor grill or a traditional clay tandoor, you can recreate the authentic taste of India’s most beloved grilled dish in your backyard.

The tandoor has been a key cooking tool in Indian kitchens for centuries, and for good reason. The intense heat and unique clay structure give the food a distinct smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate with other methods. Let’s dive into the process of making the best tandoori chicken at home and enjoy a culinary journey right in your backyard.

What Makes Tandoori Chicken So Special?

Tandoori chicken is one of the most recognizable Indian dishes around the world. It’s known for its bright red color, smoky flavor, and tender, juicy meat. The magic happens in the tandoor, which is a traditional clay oven. The high temperature inside, which can reach between 600°F and 900°F, cooks the chicken quickly, giving it that charred exterior while keeping the inside moist and full of flavor.

The recipe for tandoori chicken has evolved over time, but the basics remain the same: marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, let it soak up all the flavors, and then cook it in a tandoor. You can use wood, charcoal, or gas to heat the tandoor, and some modern versions even run on electricity. But regardless of how you heat it, the intense cooking temperature and the clay’s heat retention create a delicious, smoky flavor you can’t get from a regular oven.

Ingredients You Need to Make Tandoori Chicken

Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients. You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find items; most ingredients are simple and easy to get. Here’s what you’ll need:

• • 2 lemons, squeezed

• • 4 teaspoons paprika (for color and flavor)

• • 16 skinless chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, your choice)

• • 2 red onions, finely sliced

• • Vegetable oil for brushing

• • 300 ml of yogurt (thick and creamy for best results)

• • A large piece of grated ginger

• • 4 cloves of garlic, smashed

• • 1/4 teaspoon garam masala

• • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

• • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tandoori Chicken

Now, let’s walk through the simple steps to make your tandoori chicken taste amazing. You don’t need to be a master chef to get it right; just follow these steps and enjoy!

Step 1: Prep the Chicken with a Quick Marinade

Start by preparing a quick marinade that will add the first layer of flavor to your chicken. In a large, shallow dish, mix the lemon juice, paprika, and finely sliced red onions.

Now, take each chicken thigh and make three deep cuts into the meat. This will help the marinade penetrate the chicken, making sure every bite is full of flavor. Coat each piece of chicken in the lemon and paprika mixture, then set it aside for about 10 minutes. The acidity from the lemon juice helps tenderize the meat, while the paprika adds a lovely color.

Step 2: Mix the Main Marinade

While the chicken is soaking in the lemon juice, it’s time to prepare the main marinade. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, grated ginger, smashed garlic, garam masala, ground cumin, chili powder, and turmeric.

Once all the spices are mixed well into the yogurt, pour this marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated. The yogurt not only adds flavor but also keeps the meat moist as it cooks.

Cover the marinated chicken and let it rest in the fridge. For the best flavor, marinate it for at least one hour, but if you have more time, let it sit overnight. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Heat Up the Tandoor

It’s time to fire up the tandoor. Whether you’re using an outdoor tandoor grill or a clay tandoor, preheat it to a high temperature. You want it to be very hot, around 600°F to 900°F, to get that perfect char on the chicken.

While the tandoor is heating, thread the marinated chicken onto grilling skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning. Brush a light coat of vegetable oil on the chicken before placing the skewers in the tandoor. This helps give the chicken a nice, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken in the Tandoor

Now for the fun part—cooking the chicken in the tandoor. Place the skewers inside the hot tandoor, making sure the chicken is suspended in the middle, not touching the walls. Grill the chicken for about 8 minutes on each side, turning the skewers halfway through. The high heat will cook the chicken quickly, so keep an eye on it.

You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s fully cooked inside and has a beautiful char on the outside. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 5: Serve It Hot

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the tandoor. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it even more flavorful.

Serve your tandoori chicken hot with some fresh naan, flatbread, or a side of basmati rice. You can also add a side salad or some mint chutney for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Your Tandoori Chicken

If you want to take your tandoori chicken to the next level, here are some tips to make it even better.

1. Use Fresh Spices

Spices are the heart and soul of tandoori cooking. Always use fresh spices for the best flavor. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider replacing them.

2. Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor

While an hour of marinating is good, letting the chicken sit in the marinade overnight makes a big difference. The longer marinating time allows the flavors to seep deeper into the meat.

3. Don’t Skip the Oil

Brushing the chicken with oil before grilling helps to create a crispy crust. It also keeps the chicken from sticking to the skewers.

4. Experiment with Different Woods for Smoking

If you’re using a charcoal tandoor, try adding different types of wood chips for smoking. Woods like applewood, hickory, or mesquite can add unique flavors to your tandoori chicken.

Why Cook Tandoori Chicken in a Tandoor?

Cooking tandoori chicken in a tandoor is more than just grilling—it’s an experience that brings out the best in the ingredients. The intense heat from the clay oven sears the meat quickly, locking in the juices while creating a smoky flavor that is hard to replicate with other cooking methods.

• Better Heat Distribution: The unique shape and design of the tandoor allow for even heat distribution, which means your food cooks uniformly. The meat stays juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
• Smoky Flavor: The high temperatures, combined with the clay oven’s natural properties, give the chicken a distinct smoky taste. If you’ve ever tasted tandoori chicken from a restaurant, you know that smoky flavor can’t be achieved with a regular grill or oven.
• Quick Cooking Time: The intense heat cooks the chicken quickly. This means you can enjoy a delicious meal in less time, without sacrificing taste.

Pairing Your Tandoori Chicken with Sides

To make your tandoori chicken meal complete, pair it with some classic Indian sides. Here are some easy ideas to try:

1. Naan or Flatbread

Nothing complements tandoori chicken like a warm, freshly baked naan. Use your tandoor to cook the naan while the chicken rests. If you don’t have time to make naan from scratch, store-bought flatbread works well too.

2. Basmati Rice

A bowl of aromatic basmati rice is perfect for soaking up the juices from your tandoori chicken. Add a little saffron or turmeric for extra color and flavor.

3. Mint Chutney

Mint chutney adds a fresh, zesty taste that balances the smoky flavor of the tandoori chicken. It’s easy to make at home by blending fresh mint leaves, cilantro, lime juice, and green chili.

4. Raita

Raita is a cool, refreshing yogurt-based side dish that pairs well with spicy tandoori chicken. You can add cucumber, tomatoes, or even pineapple to give it some extra texture and flavor.

Exploring Different Tandoor Options for Home Cooking

If you’re serious about making tandoori chicken at home, it’s worth investing in a tandoor. There are several types of tandoors available, each with its own benefits.

1. Traditional Clay Tandoor

This is the classic style of tandoor, usually made from clay. It offers the most authentic cooking experience and flavor. Traditional clay tandoors are often buried in the ground or built above the ground. They are heated using wood or charcoal. The clay walls retain heat very well, making them ideal for cooking meat and bread.

2. Outdoor Tandoor Grill

If you love barbecuing, an outdoor tandoor grill could be a great addition to your backyard. These grills offer the same high heat and smoky flavor as traditional clay tandoors but are more portable. They come in different sizes, so you can find one that fits your space and cooking needs.

3. Electric Tandoor

Electric tandoors are a modern take on the traditional tandoor. They are easy to use and don’t require wood or charcoal for heating. While they may not provide the same level of smokiness, they can still deliver great results. Electric tandoors are perfect for indoor cooking and small spaces.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Tandoor

To keep your tandoor in good condition and extend its lifespan, regular maintenance is key. Here’s how to care for your tandoor:

1. Clean It After Each Use

Always clean the tandoor after you finish cooking. For clay tandoors, remove any leftover ash and scrub the inside gently with a brush. Don’t use water directly inside, as it can weaken the clay. For metal or electric tandoors, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.

2. Use a Cover

If your tandoor is outdoors, cover it with a weatherproof cover when not in use. This protects it from rain, dust, and other elements that can damage it over time.

3. Check for Cracks

Inspect the inside of your tandoor for any cracks or signs of wear. If you notice any, patch them with a clay mixture to prevent the cracks from expanding.

Trying New Variations of Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is delicious on its own, but you can get creative with different marinades and cooking techniques to make it even more interesting. Here are some variations to try:

1. Tandoori Chicken Tikka

Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces before marinating. This style is perfect for appetizers or as a topping for salads.

2. Malai Tandoori Chicken

Add a little cream and cheese to the marinade for a creamier version of tandoori chicken. It’s rich, flavorful, and has a milder spice level.

3. Spicy Tandoori Chicken

For those who love spicy food, add extra chili powder or a few chopped green chilies to the marinade. You’ll get a fiery kick with every bite.

Bringing the Tandoori Experience to Your Backyard

There’s something special about cooking outdoors, especially with a tandoor. The process of marinating the chicken, heating the tandoor, and then grilling the meat is a fun and rewarding experience. It’s more than just cooking—it’s about embracing a tradition that has been around for centuries.

If you have an outdoor tandoor grill, invite friends and family over for a tandoori night. Let everyone get involved in the cooking process. Set up a table with different marinades, spices, and sides, and enjoy the communal experience of cooking together.

The Joy of Tandoor Cooking at Home

Tandoori chicken is a dish that brings joy to any meal. The smoky, spicy flavors and tender meat make it a favorite for many. And while the traditional cooking methods may seem challenging at first, they’re quite simple once you get the hang of it.

With the right tandoor, some fresh ingredients, and a little bit of practice, you can make the best tandoori chicken right in your own backyard. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, you’ll impress everyone with your newfound tandoori skills.

So, go ahead, fire up the tandoor, and start grilling! Enjoy the flavors of authentic tandoori chicken at home, and make every meal a special experience.

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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.