This recipe uses my favorite stovetop-to-oven cooking method for meats. I use this technique most often for steaks (including sirloin steak and filet mignon), but it works perfectly for chicken recipes like this one or even stuffed pork chops.
What Is Tandoori Chicken?
Tandoori chicken is an Indian chicken dish that gets marinated in yogurt and traditional Indian spices, then pan fried and finished in the oven. This Indian chicken recipe traditionally cooks in a tandoor (a kind of clay oven), but you can get similar results with a regular oven or grill.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for easy tandoori chicken marinade, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Chicken:
Chicken – I used bone-in chicken leg quarters (drumsticks and thighs connected together) for this tandoori chicken recipe, which are sometimes called whole chicken legs. This is the traditional option, but you can really use any cut of chicken, such as chicken thighs, chicken breast, or chicken drumsticks. The cooking time will vary, depending on the cut, size, and whether or not there are bones. Oil – For frying. I used olive oil, but you could use coconut oil, avocado oil, or any heat-safe oil you prefer.
Tandoori Chicken Marinade:
Greek Yogurt – The main component of the marinade is yogurt! I prefer to use Greek, but regular will work as well. Make sure it’s unsweetened. Use full-fat yogurt if you can for the most flavorful results, but skim or 2% will work if needed. Lime Juice – The acid helps to tenderize the meat. Fresh squeezed lime juice tastes best, but bottled can be used for convenience. You could also use lemon juice. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic cloves (or pressed garlic) has the best flavor, but you can use jarred as well. Spice Mix – This simple recipe includes garam masala, turmeric, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper. Garam masala is an Indian spice blend that usually includes cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, coriander, cumin, and cardamom. For an even more traditional red look and mild heat, you can include kashmiri red chili powder (or just add paprika to make the dish look more red without extra heat). Sea Salt & Black Pepper
How To Make Tandoori Chicken
This section shows how to make chicken tandoori, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers of this chicken tandoori recipe in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Meal prep: You can prep the marinade ahead. Simply mix together ingredients and store in the refrigerator. The marinade on its own will last up to 5 days in the fridge. You can also marinate the chicken in the marinade for up to 24 hours, which I recommend if you have the time. Reheat: It’s best to reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F, covered in aluminum foil to prevent drying out. However, the microwave will do if you must. Freeze: Store the chicken in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or in a bag submerged in cold water on the counter, before reheating the tandoori chicken in the oven.
What To Serve With Tandoori Chicken
Serve this Indian cuisine with a simple side:
Garnishes – I recommend fresh cilantro and lime wedges or slices. Sliced red onions also go well. Rice – Regular rice is the classic option. I usually choose cauliflower rice (or even cilantro lime cauliflower rice) myself for a healthier version. Naan – The iconic side to almost every Indian dish! You can make regular naan, or almond flour naan for a gluten-free option. Vegetables – Maybe not part of the traditional meal, but I can’t resist veggies with everything. Try roasted vegetables or stir fry vegetables.
More Indian Chicken Recipes
With so many rich flavors, these Indian-style chicken recipes are an easy way to add flair to your dinner routine: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition facts are calculated with 1/4 of the marinade discarded. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle!
