Craving a delectable dish that surpasses your favorite takeout while keeping your calorie count in check? Look no further than our Tandoori Chicken Recipe – a tantalizing masterpiece that marries juicy, succulent chicken with a harmonious blend of warm, savory spices. This culinary gem, traditionally prepared in a cylindrical clay tandoor oven, captures a delightful smoky essence. But worry not, for even without a tandoor, you can effortlessly recreate this culinary marvel in your instant pot, broiler, or better yet, the air fryer. This innovative approach ensures your chicken emerges perfectly tender within, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior, all achieved in less than half an hour!
Pro tip:
Unlocking the secret to Tandoori Chicken's signature texture and flavor lies in the choice of chicken and the artful marinade.
Opting for bone-in dark meat chicken, such as succulent legs or thighs, guarantees a mouthwatering juiciness that prevails through the cooking process. While chicken breasts might hasten towards dryness, the chosen cuts retain their succulence.
The marinade, a creamy blend of yogurt, garlic and a kick of cayenne pepper can work its magic in as little as 20 minutes, but allowing it to mingle longer delivers an intensified, irresistible burst of flavor.
Here’s how you can treat yourself to this delicious recipe:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low fat yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 4 small chicken legs, split
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for air fryer basket
- Kosher salt and pepper (as per your taste)
- 2 small red onions, cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
- Lemon wedges and fresh cilantro, for serving
Method
- Create the marinade by blending yogurt, garlic, ginger, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, ground coriander, cayenne, and lemon juice. Coat chicken and marinate for 20 minutes to 4 hours.
- For air frying, season chicken with salt, place skin side up in a basket, and air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes.
- Enhance with red onions, drizzle with oil, sprinkle salt and pepper. Air fry until chicken is tender and onions are golden (8-12 minutes).
- Present your masterpiece on a platter, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro.
For a complete experience, serve alongside freshly baked naan, aromatic rice pilaf, or a cooling cucumber salad. As the days unfold, you'll find yourself revisiting this weeknight wonder, savoring each bite every time.
