This oven-baked tandoori chicken is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds! The rich blend of spices creates a flavorful crust on the chicken, while the yogurt marinade ensures the meat stays juicy and tender inside. Perfectly cooked and seasoned, this dish can be served with a side of rice, naan, or a fresh salad.
It’s an ideal dish for anyone looking for an easy way to bring the smoky, tangy flavors of traditional tandoori chicken into their home without a tandoor oven. You’ll love the depth of flavor, and the best part? It’s quick and easy to make. Whether you’re having a family dinner or preparing for a gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests!
Full Recipe:
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6 bone-in chicken thighs (or 4 chicken breasts)
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1 cup plain yogurt
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon ground cumin
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1 tablespoon ground coriander
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1 tablespoon ground turmeric
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1 tablespoon ground paprika
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon ground ginger
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2 teaspoons ground garlic powder
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2 teaspoons ground onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder (adjust to taste)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine yogurt, vegetable oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
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Coat the chicken thighs (or breasts) with the marinade, ensuring every piece is well covered. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for more flavor).
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Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is slightly charred at the edges.
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Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction
Tandoori chicken is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes of Indian cuisine. Traditionally, it’s cooked in a tandoor, an oven that reaches incredibly high temperatures and imparts a signature smoky flavor. However, not everyone has access to a tandoor, and that’s where the oven-baked version of tandoori chicken shines. This recipe brings all the rich, spicy, and savory flavors of the traditional dish straight to your home kitchen using an oven—without compromising on taste or texture. It’s a perfect way to enjoy this delectable dish with just a few simple ingredients and easy steps.
The key to a perfect tandoori chicken lies in the marinade. Made with a blend of yogurt, aromatic spices, and herbs, the chicken is soaked in this flavorful concoction for hours, allowing the spices to permeate every inch of the meat. This creates a juicy and tender chicken with a beautifully crispy, charred exterior, mimicking the traditional tandoor-cooked result. The marinade also works wonders in keeping the chicken moist while it bakes in the oven.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this oven-baked tandoori chicken apart from other baked chicken recipes is the unique combination of spices that not only season the chicken but also give it the signature red hue. Kashmiri chili powder, an essential ingredient in any tandoori recipe, adds a mild heat and vibrant color. Although it’s not a common spice found in every pantry, it’s worth the effort to source it. If not available, smoked paprika can be used as a substitute, delivering a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Beyond Kashmiri chili, the tandoori marinade also includes a mix of cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic, which create a symphony of flavors that infuse the chicken. When baked, these flavors deepen, creating a beautifully balanced dish that’s spicy, tangy, and aromatic, with a slight caramelization at the edges due to the yogurt’s sugar content.
How to Achieve the Perfect Tandoori Flavor Without a Tandoor
One of the challenges when recreating tandoori chicken in an oven is achieving that signature charred, smoky flavor. While an actual tandoor provides this by cooking the chicken in extreme heat over a charcoal flame, the oven-baked method makes up for this by using a higher baking temperature. After the initial bake, the chicken is brushed with the reserved marinade and baked again at a higher temperature, which encourages the chicken to form a slightly charred crust.
For even more depth of flavor, you can use a trick many chefs employ in traditional Indian cooking: grilling or using a barbecue. This method involves cooking the chicken on a grill after marinating it, which helps develop that coveted smoky flavor. However, if you prefer to stick with the oven method, just increasing the heat toward the end of the cooking process ensures that the chicken reaches a golden, slightly crisp texture on the outside.
The Importance of Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in ensuring the meat is flavorful and tender. The yogurt in the marinade acts as a tenderizer, softening the chicken and allowing the spices to penetrate deeply. For the best results, it’s recommended to marinate the chicken for a minimum of 12 hours, though up to 24 or even 48 hours will allow the flavors to intensify. If you’re pressed for time, making a few slashes in the chicken pieces helps the marinade soak in faster, allowing for a quicker marination time of 2-3 hours.
If you find yourself with leftover marinade, don’t throw it away! It can be brushed onto the chicken throughout the cooking process to keep the chicken moist and to build layers of flavor. Be sure to reserve a little bit of marinade to serve as a finishing touch when plating your chicken.
What to Serve with Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is rich in flavors and spices, so pairing it with complementary sides can balance out the meal. One of the most classic sides is saffron rice, which adds a touch of luxury with its subtle floral notes and vibrant color. For a more refreshing contrast, a minted yogurt sauce provides a cool, creamy dip that pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the chicken.
Another classic accompaniment is naan or flatbread. Freshly baked and brushed with garlic butter, it’s ideal for scooping up the flavorful chicken and enjoying every last bit of the marinade. If you prefer something lighter, a simple side salad can do wonders to cut through the richness of the dish.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
Tandoori chicken is not only flavorful but also relatively healthy. The yogurt marinade offers a dose of protein and probiotics, while the chicken itself provides a good source of lean protein. The use of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander also brings numerous health benefits, from anti-inflammatory properties to improved digestion. Depending on the cut of chicken you choose, this dish can be low in fat, and it’s also naturally gluten-free.
For a more substantial meal, serve tandoori chicken with a side of rice or flatbread, as mentioned earlier. Alternatively, for a low-carb version, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or cauliflower rice. This dish is great for meal prep, as the chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and can be easily reheated.
Conclusion: Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Tandoori chicken, when made in the oven, is a game changer for anyone craving this classic Indian dish without the need for special equipment. The combination of the marinated chicken, high heat cooking, and aromatic spices creates a dish that’s rich, juicy, and flavorful with the perfect balance of smokiness and spice. Whether you serve it with a side of fragrant saffron rice, a cool minted yogurt sauce, or freshly baked flatbread, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s easy to make, customizable, and versatile—making it the perfect dish for any occasion.
So if you’re looking for a way to bring the flavors of Indian cuisine into your home without a tandoor, this oven-baked tandoori chicken is the answer. The simple yet effective ingredients and techniques make it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner, a weekend feast, or even a special celebration. Get ready to enjoy one of the most flavorful dishes from Indian cuisine right from your own kitchen!