Introduction
The simple definition of Tandoori Chicken BBQ would be, “Chicken legs marinated in lemon juice, yogurt, and aromatic spices and grilled in a large clay oven used in major portions of Asia.” An exciting story about this dish coming to India is that the dish is said to have been introduced by Punjabi Hindus, Kundan Lal Jaggi, and Kundan Lal Gujral, who in the late 1940s opened a restaurant in Delhi known as Moti Mahal, where they served Tandoori Chicken, which was then popularized.
Further Reading: Chicken Pakora with Corn Flour: The Best Way To Enjoy Fried Chicken
Now that we know how tasty and impressive the dish could be let’s see..
how to make the best tandoori chicken recipe!
Starting with ingredients, we will need:
- 3 Tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cayenne (dry red chili)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tbsp sweet (but not hot) paprika
- 1 cup unsweetened yogurt (Buttermilk can be used as a substitute.)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced.
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 whole chicken legs, drumsticks and thighs, skinless, bone-in
Step 1:
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients, turn the gas on and put a pan over it.
-Now add oil, let it heat for 10/15 secs, and then put coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, garam masala, and paprika in the oil and cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, until you can smell the fragrance of spices mixing up. Keep stirring in between. Once the mixture is ready, let it cool.
Step 2:
Grab a bowl and put yogurt or buttermilk (the substitute). Add the spice-oil mixture to the yogurt, then mix in the lemon juice, garlic, salt, and ginger.
Step 3:
Cut deep slashes (to the bone) in 3–4 places on the leg/thigh pieces for the tandoori chicken marinade recipe. 2-3 cuts will be enough if you use separate drumsticks and thighs. At this point, coat the chicken with the yogurt mixture and refrigerate it for 6 hours if you want to make it faster, or marinate it for at least 12 hours.
Step 4:
While that is happening, we’ll go on to make a tandoor, which is a clay oven, in which we’ll be cooking the chicken. One can either choose the option to buy a tandoor oven or make one at home. Grab a clay pot (a thick one would work amazingly), add some coal to it, cover it with a grill, and you are ready to use it.
Step 5:
The next step is to take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator at least 3 hours before cooking. Before putting it on the tandoor, remove excess marination from it. Now put it over the tandoor and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Keep on toasting to check if it’s cooked on both sides. Once ready, serve it hot and enjoy the taste of the most mouthwatering tandoori chicken bbq.
Further Reading: Make Delicious Andhra Chicken Pakora at home! Step by Step Recipe
What if one cannot access a tandoor for the tandoori recipe?
Well, in that case, an oven can save your day. Yes, you read it right. We can use an oven for baking our tandoori chicken tikka recipe. All you have to do is pre-heat the oven to 440 °F (220 °C) for 7 minutes, take aluminum foil and cover the baking sheet with it, then place a wire rack on the top of the baking sheet. Spray oil on the aluminum foil and rack so the chicken won’t stick. You can also use a roasting rack. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes on one side, turn the chicken over and bake for another 20 minutes on the other until browned on all sides. And there you go with the most mouthwatering tandoori chicken barbecue.
Wondering what could be served with tandoori chicken?
Regarding barbecue, there are few things as versatile and popular as tandoori chicken. This Indian-style dish can be enjoyed with various toppings, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. Here are some ideas for how to serve tandoori chicken:
– Serve it on a bed of rice or naan bread with mint chutney and yogurt sauce for an authentic flavor profile.
– Pair it with shredded lettuce and tomatoes for a salad version that’s nutritious and delicious.
– Add grilled pineapple, mangoes, or other fruity details for added sweetness and refreshment.
– For something more irresistible, try serving tandoori chicken wrapped in warm tortillas strips topped with salsa verde or guacamole. There is no wrong way to enjoy this flavorful dish!
Further Reading: How to Make a Spicier and More Flavorful Chicken Fry at Home
Which pieces of Chicken are the best to cook for a barbecue?
Many different chicken pieces can be used for tandoori chicken barbecue, but some of the best options include breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. Chicken breasts tend to cook quickly and evenly in the oven, while thicker portions of thigh or drumstick are great for capturing flavor and texture in your dish. Avoid using tiny or thin pieces of chicken – they will not hold their shape during cooking and may end up overcooked or dry.
Some tips to make it amazing can be
- Keep track of the temperature throughout
- Make vertical cuts in the chicken to make it more tasty and fulfilling.
- Using coal and tongs, ensure it does not stick to the grill or the pot.
- Use extra foil to cover the sides of the baking sheet, which can be used for easy cleanup.
- Use coriander to garnish the dish. (which also has great nutritional value).
Thank you for choosing to read this blog! We hope that this helps you make the best chicken tandoori BBQ possible. This blog will teach you everything you need to know about chicken tandoori barbecue, from the ingredients and techniques required to prepare it correctly. We encourage you to bookmark this page to return anytime for more information.
[…] Further reading: Delicious Tandoori Chicken BBQ Recipe for an Amazing Dinner. […]
[…] This restaurant specializes in traditional Indian dishes, such as Chicken Tikka, Mutton Curry, and Tandoori Chicken. The restaurant also offers an array of international dishes, including steaks, pasta, and […]
[…] it’s the perfect place for a relaxed and hearty meal. Their most popular dishes include Tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and mutton rogan josh. They also offer a variety of biryanis and […]
[…] is located in Indiranagar, which is a suburb of Bangalore. Smoke House Deli’s menu includes tandoori chicken, kebabs, curries, and bread. The restaurant also offers a buffet […]
[…] in the smoky and savory goodness of a BBQ bacon burger, perfect for meat lovers and barbecue enthusiasts alike. Start with a juicy beef patty […]