Dairy-Free Tandoori Chicken Drumstick

Experience the bold and smoky flavors of Indian cuisine with this irresistible Dairy-Free Tandoori Chicken Drumstick recipe! Marinated in a vibrant blend of aromatic spices, zesty lemon juice, fresh garlic, and creamy unsweetened coconut yogurt, these drumsticks deliver all the authentic tandoori taste without the dairy. Perfectly customizable for the oven, grill, or air fryer, this recipe ensures juicy, tender chicken with a beautifully charred exterior every time. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, it’s an easy, healthy, and gluten-free option that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with fluffy basmati rice or a crisp side salad for a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup Unsweetened coconut yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons Ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

Step 2

Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slits on each chicken drumstick to help the marinade penetrate the meat.

Step 3

Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade and thoroughly coat each piece. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare an outdoor grill or air fryer depending on your preferred cooking method.

Step 5

For baking: Arrange the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.

Step 6

For grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the drumsticks for 20-25 minutes, turning frequently, until fully cooked and nicely charred.

Step 7

For air-frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges, a side salad, or steamed basmati rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1142.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1914.7

Total Fat 122.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 744mg	0%
Sodium 2963.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 22.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.4g	0%
Total Sugars 3.3g
Protein 183.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 250.0mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 2325.0mg	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: 57.3%

Protein: 38.1%

Carbs: 4.6%