Soy-Free Tandoori Chicken Drumstick

Indulge in the bold and aromatic flavors of this Soy-Free Tandoori Chicken Drumstick recipe, a healthier twist on a classic Indian favorite. Marinated in a rich blend of spices like garam masala, paprika, and turmeric, combined with creamy yogurt or a dairy-free coconut yogurt option, these drumsticks are irresistibly juicy and flavorful. Slashing the chicken ensures the vibrant marinade penetrates deep for maximum taste, while baking and a quick broil give them a perfect charred finish—no tandoor required! Ready in under an hour (with a little prep ahead), this gluten-free, soy-free dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Serve with fresh cilantro and zesty lemon wedges for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup Plain full-fat yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free option)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon Ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Ground garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Neutral oil (e.g., avocado or vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
• 4 pieces Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 deep slashes on each chicken drumstick to help the marinade penetrate and cook evenly.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, garam masala, salt, and neutral oil. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 3

Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring it gets into the slashes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for better flavor.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks on the wire rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 6

Bake the chicken for 25 minutes. Then, flip each drumstick and bake for another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

For a slightly charred and smoky flavor, broil the drumsticks on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 8

Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro (if using) and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1206.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1908.5

Total Fat 111.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 775.2mg	0%
Sodium 3960.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 43.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.8g	0%
Total Sugars 15.5g
Protein 191.5g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 507.7mg	0%
Iron 12.0mg	0%
Potassium 2821.3mg	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: 51.7%

Protein: 39.4%

Carbs: 8.9%