How to Make Tandoori Chicken – Authentic Indian Recipe

 

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Introduction: What Is Tandoori Chicken?

Tandoori Chicken is a world-famous Indian dish made by marinating chicken in a spiced yoghurt mixture and then cooking it in a traditional clay oven called a tandoor. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a smoky, charred flavour and a vibrant red-orange colour.

Though traditionally cooked in a tandoor, you can easily make Tandoori Chicken at home using an oven, grill, or even a stovetop. This blog will guide you through a step-by-step British English recipe, including ingredients available in the UK and Google-optimised SEO keywords.

Whether you're hosting an Indian-themed dinner or just craving something flavourful, this guide is perfect for beginners and food lovers alike.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Made with easily available ingredients in the UK

Authentic flavour, smoky taste, and vibrant colour

Ideal for grilling, baking, or BBQs

High in protein, low in carbs – perfect for a healthy meal

Great for meal prep, parties, or a weekday treat

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

Chicken thighs/drumsticks – 1 kg (skinless, bone-in for best flavour)

Lemon juice – 2 tbsp

Salt – to taste

Red chilli powder – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)

For the Marinade:

Greek yoghurt – 200g (or plain full-fat yoghurt)

Ginger paste – 1 tbsp

Garlic paste – 1 tbsp

Garam masala – 1 tsp

Ground cumin – 1 tsp

Ground coriander – 1 tsp

Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

Kashmiri chilli powder – 1 tsp (for colour and mild heat)

Smoked paprika – ½ tsp (optional for smokiness)

Mustard oil or vegetable oil – 2 tbsp

Fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) – 1 tsp (optional)

Red food colouring – a pinch (optional, for classic red colour)

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Tandoori Chicken – Step-by-Step Instructions

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🍋 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces.

2. Make deep cuts (slits) in each piece to allow the marinade to penetrate.

3. In a bowl, add:

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp red chilli powder

Salt

4. Rub this mixture all over the chicken and let it rest for 15 minutes.

> 💡 This initial marination helps tenderise the chicken and enhances flavour.

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🧄 Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

Yoghurt

Ginger & garlic paste

Spices (turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, Kashmiri chilli)

Kasuri methi (optional)

Mustard oil (or any oil)

Food colouring (optional)

2. Mix thoroughly into a thick, smooth marinade.

> 🧠 Mustard oil adds a distinct Indian aroma. Warm it slightly before use if solidified.

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🥣 Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Add the pre-marinated chicken to the yoghurt mixture.

2. Coat each piece evenly.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, preferably overnight.

> ⏱️ Longer marination = deeper flavour and softer texture.

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🔥 Step 4: Cook the Chicken

You can cook the chicken in three different ways, depending on your setup:

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Option 1: Oven Method (Best for UK Homes)

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan).

2. Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack over it.

3. Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack.

4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. For a charred finish, grill for the last 5 minutes on high heat.

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Option 2: Grill or BBQ

1. Preheat your grill to high.

2. Grill chicken on both sides for 10–15 minutes, basting with oil or butter.

3. Ensure internal temperature reaches 75°C for safe consumption.

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Option 3: Stove Top (Pan Roast)

1. Heat a grill pan or non-stick pan.

2. Add a little oil and cook the chicken on medium heat.

3. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping and basting occasionally.

> 🔥 For extra smokiness, use the dhungar method: place a hot charcoal piece in a bowl in the centre of the cooked chicken, pour a few drops of ghee on it, cover with a lid for 5 minutes.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

Tandoori Chicken is a versatile dish and pairs wonderfully with:

Green chutney (mint & coriander dip)

Sliced onions & lemon wedges

Naan, roti, or paratha

Jeera rice or biryani rice

Raita (yoghurt dip)

Tandoori salad or fresh cucumber salad

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze marinated uncooked chicken for up to 1 month.

Reheat: In a pan, oven, or microwave, basting with a little butter to retain juiciness.

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🛍 Where to Buy Ingredients in the UK

Chicken, yoghurt, lemons, garlic, ginger – Readily available at Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s

Indian spices (garam masala, cumin, coriander) – Found in the World Foods aisle or online (Spices of India, Red Rickshaw)

Kasuri methi, mustard oil, Kashmiri chilli powder – Available in Indian grocery shops or online on Amazon UK

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📝 Quick Recipe Card: Tandoori Chicken

Ingredient Quantity

Chicken pieces 1 kg

Lemon juice 2 tbsp

Yoghurt 200g

Ginger paste 1 tbsp

Garlic paste 1 tbsp

Red chilli 1 tsp

Turmeric ½ tsp

Cumin powder 1 tsp

Coriander 1 tsp

Garam masala 1 tsp

Oil 2 tbsp

Salt To taste

Method:

1. Marinate chicken with lemon, salt, chilli – rest 15 min.

2. Mix marinade ingredients, coat chicken – refrigerate 4–6 hours.

3. Cook in oven at 220°C or grill until done and charred.

4. Serve with chutney, salad, naan or rice.

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🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make Tandoori Chicken with boneless chicken?

Yes. Use chicken breast or thighs. Reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying.

Q2: What gives Tandoori Chicken its red colour?

Traditionally, Kashmiri red chilli or food colouring is used for colour without too much heat.

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Use plant-based yoghurt like coconut or almond yoghurt.

Q4: Is this dish spicy?

It can be. Adjust the chilli levels to your taste. Kashmiri chilli adds colour with mild heat.

Q5: Can I use an air fryer?

Absolutely. Cook at 190°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Tandoori Chicken is more than just a dish – it’s a flavour experience. Smoky, spicy, tangy, and juicy, it captures the heart of Indian cuisine and can be easily recreated in your British kitchen. With the right marinade and cooking method, you don’t need a tandoor to enjoy restaurant-quality Tandoori Chicken at home.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family BBQs, or Indian feasts, this recipe is a must-have in every home cook’s repertoire.

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💬 Tried this Tandoori Chicken recipe? Leave a comment below or tag us on social media with your creations. For more Indian recipes using British ingredients, follow our blog and stay inspired! 🐔🔥🇮🇳🇬🇧

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.