Clay Oven Roasted Chicken

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Clay Oven Roasted Chicken, a succulent and aromatic dish infused with classic Indian spices. This recipe features a whole chicken marinated in a rich blend of creamy Greek yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and a symphony of spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric, ensuring every bite bursts with bold, vibrant flavor. Roasted to perfection in a traditional clay oven—or easily adapted for a conventional oven—this juicy chicken develops a beautifully charred exterior while remaining perfectly tender inside. Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, it’s best served with warm naan, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad, and garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright finish. With a marinade that can be prepped ahead of time, this recipe offers both convenience and irresistible results, making it a must-try for lovers of Indian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 piece (about 3-4 lbs) Whole chicken
• 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons Ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Clean the whole chicken by removing excess fat and pat it dry with paper towels. Make a few deep cuts on the chicken (especially on the thighs and breasts) to help the marinade penetrate.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder (if using), salt, and vegetable oil to create a smooth marinade.

Step 3

Rub the marinade generously all over the chicken, making sure to get it into the cuts and the cavity for maximum flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight.

Step 4

Preheat the clay oven or tandoor to 450°F (or as per the manufacturer’s instructions). If using a conventional oven as a substitute, preheat to 450°F and set up a roasting tray with a wire rack.

Step 5

Place the marinated chicken on a skewer or roasting rack, ensuring it is balanced for even cooking. If using a clay oven, position the chicken vertically on the skewer and suspend it over the heat source.

Step 6

Roast the chicken for about 45-60 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat.

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven or tandoor and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 8

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan, rice, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1710.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	696.0

Total Fat 45.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.0g
Cholesterol 126.6mg	0%
Sodium 2574.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 28.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.9g	0%
Total Sugars 10.6g
Protein 54.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 425.1mg	0%
Iron 9.7mg	0%
Potassium 1142.6mg	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: 55.3%

Protein: 29.3%

Carbs: 15.4%