Tired Of Ordering Out? Here’s How To Make Restaurant-quality Chicken Tandoori At Home Without An Oven!
What To Know
- While traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, this recipe will guide you through the art of making authentic chicken tandoori in the comfort of your home, even without an oven.
- If you have a grill or broiler, you can use it to give the chicken a smoky flavor.
- Garam masala is a blend of spices, but you can use a combination of cumin, coriander, and turmeric as a substitute.
Chicken tandoori, a beloved Indian dish, is known for its tantalizing aroma and vibrant red hue. While traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, this recipe will guide you through the art of making authentic chicken tandoori in the comfort of your home, even without an oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Pan
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
4. Flip and Baste
Flip the chicken pieces halfway through cooking and baste them with the remaining marinade. This will help keep them moist and flavorful.
5. Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy tandoori chicken.
Enhance the Flavor:
1. Use a Tandoori Masala Blend
For an authentic tandoori flavor, consider using a pre-made tandoori masala blend. This will simplify the marinating process and add depth to the spices.
2. Grill or Broil the Chicken
If you have a grill or broiler, you can use it to give the chicken a smoky flavor. Grill or broil the chicken for a few minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
3. Garnish with Fresh Cilantro
Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the tandoori chicken for a vibrant pop of color and an aromatic touch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the tandoori chicken with naan bread or rice.
- Pair it with a side of raita or chutney for a refreshing contrast.
- Enjoy it as an appetizer or as part of a main meal.
Variations:
- Chicken Tikka: Omit the red chili powder from the marinade for a milder flavor.
- Chicken Malai: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the marinade for a creamy and rich taste.
- Tandoori Paneer: Replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian alternative.
Tips for Success:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy result.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to prevent it from drying out.
- Baste the chicken regularly with the marinade to keep it moist.
- Let the chicken rest before serving to enhance its flavor and texture.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use a different type of yogurt?
A: Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of plain yogurt.
Q: How can I make the tandoori chicken spicier?
A: Add more red chili powder to the marinade to suit your taste.
Q: What is a good substitute for garam masala?
A: Garam masala is a blend of spices, but you can use a combination of cumin, coriander, and turmeric as a substitute.