Get ready to transform your ordinary grilling experience into a flavor-packed culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Easy Grilled Tandoori Chicken recipe! Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with bold Indian spices, perfectly charred and bursting with exotic flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Delhi. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a grilling novice, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp tandoori masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, and salt. Whisk together until all ingredients are thoroughly blended to create a smooth marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Remove chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Shake off excess marinade from the chicken thighs and place them on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken develops a nice char.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The chicken should have golden-brown grill marks and be cooked through without any pink in the center.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which keeps the meat tender and moist.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with mint chutney, sliced lemon wedges, and warm naan bread.
Tips
- Marination is Key: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be. While 2-3 hours works, overnight marination will give you the most incredible depth of flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent dry meat.
- Grill Prep is Crucial: Clean and oil your grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave some space between chicken pieces on the grill to ensure proper heat circulation and even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the most reliable way to check doneness. Chicken should always reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Resting is Essential: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in those delicious juices and keep the meat tender.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Mint chutney, fresh cilantro, and warm naan bread can take this dish from great to absolutely spectacular!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 281kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
