Main CourseDinner

Chicken Tandoori

Name: Chicken Tandoori
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: indian
Ingredients: 8 pcs chicken drumstick skin removed, bone-in; 0.75 cup plain yogurt; 2 tbsp ginger grated; 2 tbsp garlic minced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp red food coloring (optional); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped (optional)

This classic Indian dish features chicken marinated in a vibrant, spiced yogurt mixture, then cooked until tender and slightly charred. The marinade infuses the chicken with deep flavor and keeps it incredibly moist. Serve with naan bread or rice for a complete meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 2 hr 50 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 697 kcal

Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

8 pcschicken drumstick, skin removed, bone-in

marinade

0.75 cupplain yogurt
2 tbspginger, grated
2 tbspgarlic, minced
2 tbsplemon juice
1 tbspgaram masala
1 tspground cumin
1 tspground coriander
0.5 tspturmeric powder
0.5 tspcayenne pepper
1 tspsalt
0.25 tspred food coloring(optional)

cooking

1 tbspvegetable oil

garnish

0.25 cupfresh cilantro, chopped(optional)

Equipment

baking sheet · large bowl · knife · oven

The method

Step by step

1
Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 deep slits into each chicken drumstick, being careful not to cut through to the bone.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: The slits help the marinade penetrate deeper into the chicken.
2
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, grated ginger, minced garlic, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and optional red food coloring.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Red food coloring is traditional for the iconic tandoori color, but it's purely cosmetic.
3
Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Use your hands to rub the marinade into the slits.
About 2 min
4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
About 2 hr
Cook’s note: Longer marination times result in more tender and flavorful chicken.
5
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
About 10 min
6
Lightly grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper.
About 1 min
7
Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, discarding any excess marinade.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure there's some space between each piece for even cooking.
8
Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
About 30 min
Cook’s note: For extra char, you can briefly broil the chicken for the last few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
About 5 min
10
Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.
About 1 min

Per serving

Nutrition

75%Score

Calories: 697.2kcal
Protein: 57.1g
Carbs: 8.6g
Fat: 45.2g
Fibre: 1.6g
Sugar: 2.7g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover chicken tandoori in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through.