Tandoori Chicken


Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken which is a staple in Indian cuisine. is a popular North Indian appetizer where chicken is marinated with lime juice, yoghurt, and aromatic spices and then roasted or grilled until perfection. Whether you make this Tandoori Chicken on the braai, in the oven or air fryer, it will become a firm favourite. Traditionally the most flavourful chicken cut to go for is the are the chicken drumsticks and thighs, because it has a higher fat content making it juicy, moist and more flavourful. However chicken breasts and wings may also be used although cooking times will vary. This homemade oven version gets its beautiful red-orange hue from the use of the best quality Kashmiri red chilli powder, which can be purchased at most good spice shops.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Greek Yoghurt
- 1 Tbles Lemon or Lime Juice
- 1 Tbles Ginger and Garlic Paste
- 1 Tbles Kasmiri Red Chilli Powder
- 2 Tsps Garam Masala
- 2 Tsps Coriander Powder
- 2 Tsps Cumin Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Turmeric Powder
- Salt to Taste
- 3 Tbles Hint of Red Food Colouring Optional
- 3 Tbles Oil
- 1 Kg Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs Skin Removed
Instructions
Oven Method
- To make the tandoori marinade we need a large bowl (big enough to hold all of the chicken and more). Mix all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Cut 2-3 slashes into each piece of chicken and mix thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and marinate for a minimum of 6 to 12 hours. Preferably overnight.
- Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a tray with foil and place a rack on the tray which has been sprayed with cooking spray.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess (reserve marinade), and place on the rack. Bake for 30 minutes, then brush the excess marinade generously on both sides.
- Increase the oven temperature to 200°C and bake for a further 10-15 minutes until lightly charred.
Air Fryer Method
- Pre-heat the air fryer at 200 degrees, then brush the air fryer basket with butter or oil.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces into the air fryer and air fry for approx. 20 minutes or until lightly charred.
Notes
Serve with Raita and Rice or Roti
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