Name: The Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 6 h 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 100 g (1/2 cup) Greek yoghurt; 1 tbsp ghee (or neutral oil); 1 tbsp minced ginger; 1 tbsp garlic paste (or 3 minced cloves of garlic); 1 tbsp garam masala; 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground coriander (cilantro powder); 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; Juice of a lemon; 4 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick attached, skin on for best results); Fresh coriander (cilantro); Lemon slices; Sliced red onion

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If you have ever dreamed of perfectly spiced, juicy, and charred chicken bursting with vibrant flavors, you are in for a real treat. The Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe transforms simple chicken legs into a feast for the senses, combining a creamy, tangy yogurt marinade with a beautiful blend of Indian spices that create a gorgeous red hue and an irresistible aroma. Whether grilled over coals, oven-broiled, or air fried, this recipe delivers tender meat with a smoky crust that will have you coming back for seconds. Let me take you step-by-step into creating this crowd-pleaser that feels both adventurous and familiar all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four raw chicken legs placed on a bright red cutting board with a wooden surface underneath. Each chicken leg has a few deep cuts on the skin, revealing the pale pink meat beneath, with a slightly shiny and smooth texture. On the lower left corner, a woman's hand is gently holding one chicken leg while a knife is slicing into it, positioned vertically. The chicken legs are arranged in a loose square pattern with the drumsticks pointing outward. The colors mainly include light pinks and whites of the chicken, contrasted with the bold red cutting board and the brown wooden table. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is a fun part of the cooking adventure that brings this dish to life. Each component plays a key role, from adding creamy tang and heat to delivering warmth and color to every bite.

100 g Greek yoghurt: Acts as the cooling base that tenderizes and balances the spices perfectly.
1 tbsp ghee (or neutral oil): Adds richness and helps with caramelization during cooking.
1 tbsp minced ginger: Brings fresh zing and a subtle earthiness to the marinade.
1 tbsp garlic paste (or minced garlic): Essential for that classic aromatic depth in tandoori flavors.
1 tbsp garam masala: A warm, fragrant spice mix that’s foundational to Indian cuisine.
1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder: Provides vibrant color and a mildly smoky heat without overpowering.
1 tsp paprika: Adds sweetness and deep red color to the dish.
1 tsp ground coriander (cilantro powder): Imparts a subtle citrus note and complexity.
1/2 tsp ground turmeric: Brings earthiness and that iconic golden hue.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the taste.
1/2 tsp ground black pepper: Adds a gentle, bite-sized heat.
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: Gives a slightly sweet warmth that is unexpected but beloved.
Juice of a lemon: Brightens everything with fresh acidity and helps tenderize the chicken.
4 chicken legs: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy through marinating and cooking.
Fresh coriander: Used as a fresh garnish to finish and add vibrant color.
Lemon slices: Perfect for an optional zesty squeeze before serving.
Sliced red onion: Adds crunch and sharpness alongside the rich chicken.

How to Make The Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Mixing the marinade is where the magic begins. Combine Greek yoghurt, ghee, ginger, garlic paste, garam masala, Kashmiri chili powder, paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and fresh lemon juice in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth and fragrant. Every spice blends to create that signature tandoori flavor that is bold yet balanced.

Step 2: Score and Marinate the Chicken

Make fairly deep slices in each chicken leg — this allows the marinade to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade bowl and massage the mixture lovingly all over the skin and into the cuts. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably up to 24 hours, for maximum depth of flavor and tenderness.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can cook the tandoori chicken using a BBQ grill, an oven grill (broiler), or even an air fryer. Each method brings a slightly different touch, but all yield deliciously moist and charred results.

Step 4: Cooking on the BBQ

Preheat your BBQ to a high heat and generously brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken directly over the coals and cook for about 25 minutes, turning every 8 to 10 minutes to get an even char and cook-through. Aim for an internal temperature of 80–85°C (175–185°F). Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 5: Cooking Under the Grill (Broiler)

Preheat your oven grill to a high temperature, about 240°C (460°F). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top — this air circulation helps create a lovely char. Arrange the marinated chicken legs on the rack and cook for 25 minutes, turning halfway through. Remove once the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature and let it rest a few minutes before plating.

Step 6: Cooking in the Air Fryer

For a quicker yet equally flavorful option, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and lightly spray the basket with oil. Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer—work in batches if necessary. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway so the skin crisps evenly. Check the internal temperature to confirm it’s cooked thoroughly before the final rest period.

How to Serve The Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe

A top view of a clear glass bowl holding three pieces of chicken legs fully covered in a thick, bright orange spice paste. The chicken pieces are stacked closely, with the paste unevenly spread, showing some texture and ridges. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the rich color of the marinade inside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh coriander is your best friend when serving this dish — its bright green leaves add color, fragrance, and a refreshing contrast to the deep spices. Lemon slices scattered on the plate invite an optional citrus squeeze that elevates the flavors beautifully. Additionally, sliced red onion adds crunch and a bit of sharpness, balancing the richness of the chicken.

Side Dishes

The Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with many sides. Classic choices include fluffy basmati rice or fragrant pilaf that soak up the juices. For something lighter, try a cucumber raita or cooling yogurt salad to complement the heat. Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping and makes the meal feel completely authentic and relaxed.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider plating the chicken atop a bed of mixed greens tossed lightly in lemon and olive oil for a fresh twist. You can also shred leftover pieces into wraps or tacos with crunchy pickled veggies for a surprising fusion. Arranged on a platter with colorful chutneys or a drizzle of mint chutney, this dish becomes an impressive centerpiece for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, store leftover tandoori chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its robust flavors even after the main meal. The chicken actually deepens in flavor after resting overnight!

Freezing

If you want to extend the life of your tandoori chicken, freezing works well. Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in foil or use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve tenderness.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover chicken in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain the juicy texture and crispy edges. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery and dry. Serve immediately with fresh garnishes to brighten the flavors once again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of legs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. To keep them juicy, reduce the cooking time and monitor internal temperature closely. Marinating for the full duration is especially important to infuse flavor and moisture.

What if I don’t have Kashmiri chili powder?

If Kashmiri chili powder is hard to find, you can substitute with mild paprika mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper to balance heat and color. Kashmiri chili brings a unique mild smokiness, but this blend can approximate its effects well.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely. All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, so this tandoori chicken is safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Just make sure any additional sides or marinades you use do not contain gluten additives.

Is the chicken spicy?

The spice level in this recipe is moderate and mild enough for most palates, thanks to the balanced use of Kashmiri chili and paprika rather than hotter chilies. You can adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste, adding less for a gentler kick.

Why is resting the chicken after cooking important?

Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat so that when you cut in, the chicken remains moist and succulent rather than drying out. Five minutes of rest is perfect to lock in the flavors and ensure your efforts shine through every bite.

Final Thoughts

Once you try The Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite, whether for family dinners or entertaining friends. The ease of preparation combined with the stunning, authentic flavors makes it a winner every single time. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as eating it — your kitchen is about to be filled with the most wonderful aromas and your plate with pure happiness.