Tandoori Chicken Recipe (Oven Baked, No Tandoor)
Tandoori chicken is chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted at high heat until the outside is lightly charred and the inside stays juicy. You do not need a tandoor; a hot home oven works well.
This version uses a two-step marinade for deep flavor and a quick broil for the smoky finish.
Why you will like this version
- Juicy inside, charred outside.
- Made in a regular oven.
- Marinade does the work.
What is tandoori chicken?
The name comes from the tandoor, a clay oven. The chicken is coated in a spiced yogurt marinade that tenderizes the meat and gives it its red-orange color.
Ingredients that matter
- Bone-in chicken legs: stay juicier than breast.
- Thick yogurt: hang or strain it so the marinade clings.
- Kashmiri chili powder: gives color without too much heat.
- Lemon juice: use for the first short marinade.
Tips for the best tandoori chicken
- Score the chicken deeply so the marinade penetrates.
- Marinate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Roast on a rack and finish under the broiler for char.
Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Tandoori Chicken
Oven-roasted chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, finished with a broil for char.
Ingredients
Method
- Rub the chicken with the lemon juice and 1 tsp salt. Rest for 20 minutes.
- Mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, cumin, coriander, garam masala, 1 tsp salt, oil and kasuri methi. Coat the chicken well and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
- Heat the oven to 220 C (430 F). Place the chicken on a rack over a baking tray.
- Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
- Switch to the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly charred at the edges. Rest for 5 minutes and serve with lemon, onion rings and chutney.
Notes
Total time includes at least 4 hours marinating.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I marinate it?
At least 4 hours, ideally overnight in the refrigerator.
How do I know it is cooked?
The juices run clear and the thickest part reaches 74 C (165 F).
Can I cook it on a grill?
Yes. Grill over medium-high heat for 25 to 30 minutes, turning.
