Easy Tandoori Chicken
This Easy Tandoori Chicken recipe delivers juicy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced chicken every time. Marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, then grilled or baked to charred perfection. It's a healthy, crowd-pleasing dish that's simpler than you think. For more global chicken flavors, try our Easy Homemade Butter Chicken or our Brazilian Coconut Chicken.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320kcal
Equipment
- Grill, Oven, or Air Fryer
- Large Bowl for Marinating
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks and thighs, skinless, bone-in
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (optional, for color)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and make deep slashes in the meat. In a bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice, oil, ginger, garlic, and all spices into a smooth marinade.
- Add chicken to marinade, coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Grill: Preheat grill to med-high. Grill chicken 6-8 mins per side until charred and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 mins, then broil 2-3 mins.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and lemon wedges. Serve with naan, rice, and raita.
Notes
Pro Tips: For the most tender and flavorful results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs and drumsticks will yield the juiciest meat. Don't shy away from getting a good char on the grill or under the broiler—it's essential for authentic flavor.