Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Tandoori Style Grilled Chicken! This Indian-inspired dish is not only bursting with vibrant spices but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect centerpiece for your next gathering or a cozy family dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of marinating magic, you can transform ordinary chicken thighs into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to impress your guests and elevate your grilling game? Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken thighs. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing the marinade to adhere better.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of tandoori spice mix, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and salt to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a smooth marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Ensure that each piece of chicken is well coated with the mixture. You can use your hands or a spoon to massage the marinade into the chicken for better flavor absorption.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken. For best results, marinate for a few hours or overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn down until they are covered with white ash. For a gas grill, preheat for about 10 minutes.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade as it has come into contact with raw chicken.
- Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. You should see beautiful grill marks and a slight char on the outside.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
- Serve the tandoori style grilled chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges if desired. This dish pairs well with naan, rice, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: While 20 minutes is sufficient for a quick marinade, letting the chicken sit for several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator will intensify the flavors and make the chicken even more succulent.
- Get the Grill Hot: Preheating your grill to medium-high heat is crucial. This ensures a nice sear on the chicken, locking in juices and creating those beautiful grill marks that not only look great but add a smoky flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Monitor the chicken closely as it cooks. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) ensures it’s perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the grilled chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite. Trust us, it’s worth the wait!
- Experiment with Sides: Tandoori chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with warm naan, fragrant basmati rice, or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the spices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
