Tandoori Chicken

 Tandoori Chicken

                                                                

Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its rich flavors and vibrant colors. It's traditionally prepared by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt and spices, and then cooking them in a tandoor (clay oven) or on a grill. Here's a basic recipe for making delicious tandoori chicken at home:

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken pieces (skinless, bone-in, or boneless)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tandoori masala (a spice blend available in stores)
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder (for color and mild heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For garnish:

• Sliced onions
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, tandoori masala, ginger paste, garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika or red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

• Make shallow cuts on the surface of the chicken pieces with a knife. This will allow the marinade to penetrate and infuse flavor.

• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the marination, the more flavorful the chicken will be.

If using a grill:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
• Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

If using an oven:

• Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting (usually around 500°F or 260°C).
• Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the rack.
• Bake the chicken in the preheated oven until cooked through and charred on the edges. This might take around 25-30 minutes. You can also switch on the broiler for the last few minutes to get a charred effect.
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

• Serve the tandoori chicken hot, garnished with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh cilantro leaves. You can also accompany it with naan bread, rice, or a side salad.

Enjoy your homemade tandoori chicken with its aromatic flavors and tender texture!