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
- 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.
- 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.
- Thread the Chicken: Once marinated, thread the chicken chunks evenly onto skewers for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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