Tandoori Chicken Spiced Yogurt Marinade (Printer-Friendly)
Juicy chicken marinated in spiced yogurt and roasted to smoky perfection with aromatic Indian spices.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs and drumsticks
→ Marinade
02 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
05 - 1 tbsp garlic paste (about 4 cloves)
06 - 1 tbsp ginger paste (about 2-inch piece)
07 - 2 tsp ground coriander
08 - 2 tsp ground cumin
09 - 2 tsp garam masala
10 - 1.5 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder or mild paprika
11 - 1 tsp turmeric powder
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
→ Garnish & Serving
14 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - Lemon wedges
16 - Fresh cilantro leaves
# How to Make It:
01 - Make shallow cuts in chicken pieces using a sharp knife to help marinade penetrate deeply into the meat.
02 - Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, and all spices in a large bowl until fully incorporated.
03 - Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with marinade. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
04 - Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top for even cooking and drainage.
05 - Arrange chicken on rack, shaking off excess marinade. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked through and edges are lightly charred.
06 - Broil on high for 2-3 minutes for authentic smokiness, or grill over hot coals for a few minutes per side until lightly charred.
07 - Let chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with sliced red onion, lemon wedges, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The yogurt marinade creates the most incredibly tender meat while infusing every bite with aromatic spices
- You get that restaurant-quality charred flavor right in your home oven without needing a traditional clay tandoor
02 -
- Scoring the chicken isn't optional, those shallow cuts are crucial for getting flavor all the way through to the bone
- The wire rack prevents the chicken from swimming in its own juices, which is essential for achieving that characteristic slightly crispy exterior
03 -
- If you can find Kashmiri chili powder, it's worth seeking out for that authentic red color without the heat of regular chili powder
- Room temperature chicken marinates more evenly, so take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start prep