The Best Homemade Tandoori Chicken Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love this homemade tandoori chicken for its bold flavors and easy preparation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen.
- Juicy and flavorful: Marinated in yogurt and spices, the chicken stays tender while packing a delicious punch.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples like cumin, coriander, and paprika for an authentic taste without fuss.
- Versatile cooking: Perfectly grilled, baked, or even air-fried—choose the method that works best for you.
Recipe
Tandoori chicken is a classic Indian dish known for its vibrant red color and smoky flavor. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), this homemade version uses a grill or oven to achieve similar results. Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices guarantees tender, flavorful meat.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken (legs, thighs, or drumsticks)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika (for color)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: red or orange food coloring (for traditional look)
Instructions:
- Clean and pat dry the chicken. Make deep cuts on the pieces to allow the marinade to penetrate.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Add food coloring if desired.
- Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using an oven, place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Grill or bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro.
Notes:
- Use bone-in chicken for juicier results.
- Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
- For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
Equipment:
Grill, oven, mixing bowl, wire rack (for oven method)
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Marinating time: 4 hours to overnight
Cuisine:
Indian
Serving:
4-6 servings
Nutrition
Homemade Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful dish packed with protein and spices. Below is its nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing tandoori chicken with side dishes like naan or basmati rice, as they balance the meal perfectly. Adding a cooling raita or tangy mango chutney enhances the flavors without overpowering the chicken. Don’t forget a fresh salad or roasted veggies—they add texture and brightness to the dish!
Side Dish Options
The smoky, vibrant flavors of this dish deserve sides that complement without overpowering. I love pairing tandoori chicken with cooling raita—its yogurt tang balances the spice perfectly. A fresh cucumber salad adds crunch, while warm, buttery naan soaks up every last bit of marinade. For something heartier, try basmati rice, lightly flavored with saffron or cumin. Grilled veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, bring a smoky sweetness that echoes the chicken’s char. If you’re feeling fancy, a side of dal adds creamy comfort. Each bite should feel balanced, letting the tandoori shine while the sides play a delicious supporting role.
Complementary Flavors
When you’re serving tandoori chicken, it’s all about balance—you want sides that cool, contrast, or enhance those bold spices without stealing the spotlight. I love pairing it with cucumber raita, its creamy yogurt taming the heat, or a crisp mint chutney for a fresh kick. A simple lemon rice adds brightness, while garlic naan soaks up every flavorful bite. Don’t forget grilled veggies—charred bell peppers or onions bring smoky sweetness. For something heartier, try dal tadka’s earthy lentils. Each bite should feel like a harmony, not a competition. Trust me, these combos make the meal unforgettable.
