A classic Indian dish called “tandoori chicken” is prepared by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices and then cooking it in a traditional clay oven called a “tandoor.” The end product is a juicy, aromatic, and tasty dish that has a distinct smoky flavor.
Flavour:- spicy , smoky , Tangy
Key Characteristics:
1. *Marination*: Chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and spices.
2. *Tandoor Cooking*: The marinated chicken is cooked in a tandoor, imparting a smoky flavor and a charred texture.
3. *Spice Blend*: A blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and garam masala, adds depth and warmth to the dish.
4. *Color and Texture*: Tandoori chicken is typically reddish-orange in color, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
A comprehensive recipe for Whole Tandoori Chicken can be found here:
Ingredients
*For Marination*
– 1 whole chicken (1.5-2 kg), skin removed
And Make slits all around the chicken.
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
– 2 teaspoons ginger paste
– 2 teaspoons garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for some heat)
– 1 teaspoon kashmiri or without spicy red chilli powder ( for colour)
– 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder ( for colour – optional)
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (as per taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2-3 green cardamom pods
– 1 cinnamon stick
*For Tandoori Masala*
– 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 tablespoon cardamom powder
– 1/2 tablespoon red chili powder (optional)
– 1/2 tablespoon garam masala powder
– 1/4 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions
*Step 1: Prepare Tandoori Masala*
In a pan over medium heat, dry roast the cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds until aromatic.
Using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, crush the roasted spices into a fine powder.
Combine the ground spices with the remaining ingredients for the tandoori masala.
*Step 2: Marinate Chicken*
1. Mix the yogurt, lemon juice, ghee or oil, ginger and garlic pastes, cumin and coriander powders, red chili powders, garam masala powders, salt, black pepper, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick in a big bowl.
2. Add the whole chicken to the marinade and mix well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Cook Whole Tandoori Chicken*
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Place the marinated chicken in a tandoor (clay oven) or on a rotisserie, if available.
4. Alternatively, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Every 15 minutes, brush the chicken with melted butter or ghee.
Serving Suggestions
1: Garnish with fresh cilantro, lemon wedges and tandoori masala powder (optional).
2: Serve with naan, rice, roti or salad.
3: Offer with raita (yogurt and cucumber side dish) for balance.
Traditional Serving Ideas
1: *Basmati Rice*: Serve Tandoori chicken with a side of fluffy basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
2: *Naan Bread*: Offer naan bread or roti to scoop up the juicy chicken and flavorful sauce.
3: *Raita*: Pair Tandoori chicken with a cool and creamy raita (yogurt side dish) to balance the spices.
Modern Twists
1: *Salad Bowl*: Serve Tandoori chicken on top of a fresh green salad, with cucumber, tomatoes, and a drizzle of cilantro-lime dressing.
2: *Wraps*: Offer Tandoori chicken wraps with naan bread, lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of mint chutney.
3: *Skewers*: Thread Tandoori chicken onto skewers with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Formal Dining Ideas
1: *Platter*: Present Tandoori chicken on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers.
2: *Buffet*: Offer Tandoori chicken as part of a larger Indian-inspired buffet, complete with other curries, rice, and naan bread.
3: *Thali*: Serve Tandoori chicken as part of a traditional Indian thali, with a variety of small dishes and accompaniments.
Tips
1: Adjust marinade time for desired flavor intensity.
2: Use yogurt with live cultures for better flavor.
3: For authentic tandoor flavor, cook in a tandoor or grill.
4: Experiment with different spice levels and flavor combinations.
Enjoy your delicious Whole Tandoori Chicken!
