Chicken Tandoori

Experience the vibrant flavors of authentic Chicken Tandoori, a classic Indian dish that's irresistibly smoky, tender, and bursting with bold spices. This recipe combines succulent chicken legs with a tangy yogurt-based marinade infused with garlic, ginger, and an aromatic blend of cumin, garam masala, paprika, and turmeric. Marinating overnight ensures maximum flavor penetration, while oven roasting delivers that signature charred finish, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this Chicken Tandoori pairs perfectly with warm naan or fragrant basmati rice, making it an ideal centerpiece for a flavorful dinner. Whether you're hosting a gathering or treating yourself, this easy-to-follow recipe brings restaurant-quality Indian cuisine to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken legs
• 1 cup Plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 4 drops Red food coloring (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Score the chicken legs with deep cuts so the marinade can penetrate the meat thoroughly.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, vegetable oil, and red food coloring if using. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

Step 3

Add the chicken legs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.

Step 5

Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator, and place the pieces on the prepared wire rack, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Step 6

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Halfway through cooking, turn the chicken pieces over to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 8

Garnish the tandoori chicken with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with naan, rice, or your favorite vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(943.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1273.3

Total Fat 84.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.9g
Cholesterol 468.2mg	0%
Sodium 4166.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 30.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.9g	0%
Total Sugars 18.5g
Protein 99.3g	0%

Vitamin D 117.6IU	0%
Calcium 572.3mg	0%
Iron 9.9mg	0%
Potassium 1762.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.3%

Protein: 31.1%

Carbs: 9.6%