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Tandoori Chicken with Versatile Cooking Methods Recipe


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3.9 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 25-35 minutes including marinating time
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Tandoori Chicken recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful dish made with a blend of traditional Indian spices marinated with natural yoghurt, lemon juice, and tomato puree. Perfectly cooked using various methods including air frying, oven baking, BBQ grilling, or under a high heat grill, this dish serves tender and juicy chicken breast pieces with a smoky, spicy crust. Ideal for a quick yet authentic Indian-style meal that can be prepared in around 25 minutes.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 650 g Chicken breast (approx. 4 breasts, diced)

Spices and Marinade

  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground ginger
  • 1 tsp Garlic granules
  • 1/2 tsp Chilli powder (optional)
  • 1.5 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
  • Red food colouring (optional, see notes)
  • 1 Lemon (juice only)
  • 1 tbsp Tomato puree
  • 50 g Natural yoghurt


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Mix all the spices, lemon juice, tomato puree, and natural yoghurt in a bowl to create the marinade. Add the diced chicken breast pieces and coat them thoroughly with the mixture.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
  3. Thread the Chicken: Once marinated, thread the chicken chunks evenly onto skewers for even cooking.
  4. Cooking in the Air Fryer: Place the chicken skewers carefully into the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with oil. Air fry at 220℃ fan/240℃ conventional/400°F for 15-20 minutes. Turn halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Use a thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Cooking in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180℃ fan/200℃ conventional/350°F fan. Arrange the chicken skewers on a baking sheet or on a grill rack over the tray to ensure even heat circulation. Spray the chicken with a little oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway and checking the internal temperature to ensure doneness.
  6. Cooking on the BBQ: Place the skewers directly onto the BBQ grill rack. Spray with a little oil to prevent sticking. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside and clear juices. Use a thermometer to verify.
  7. Cooking on the Grill: Arrange the skewers on a grill tray under high heat. Grill for 15-20 minutes while turning halfway through to get even charring and cooked chicken.

Notes

  • The addition of red food colouring is optional and commonly used to achieve the traditional bright red hue of tandoori chicken.
  • Always check chicken doneness using a meat thermometer, the safe internal temperature for chicken is 75℃ (165℉).
  • Marinating time can be as little as 30 minutes but for best results, marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  • If using wooden skewers for grilling or BBQ, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Spraying or brushing oil before cooking helps keep the chicken moist and prevents sticking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-25 minutes depending on cooking method
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Indian