Tandoori Chicken is called ‘Indian Roast Chicken’. ‘Tandoor’ is a cylindrical clay oven used to prepare dishes in North India. The traditional dishes like Tandoori Chicken, Tikkas, Kebabs,Nan, Kulcha, otis..etc are prepared using this Tandoor. Tandoori Chicken is a world popular dish.

        I am using a whole chicken for this recipe. You can use thigh, breast and drumsticks also. You can grill the pieces of chicken in barbeque grill or shallow fry or roast in oven.

        In this recipe chicken is marinated in a yogurt masala mixture. This recipe I had planned to prepare and share for Christmas and was not able to do that since we had other plans. I am excited that I could prepare this chicken for Valentine’s Day.


INGREDIENTS:

Chicken, skinless - 1.2 Kg
Yogurt/ curd- ½ cup
Ginger garlic paste- 1 teaspoon
Chilli powder- 1 teaspoon
Coriander powder- ½ teaspoon
Cumin powder- ¼ teaspoon
Garam masala- ½ teaspoon
Kasoori Methi, crushed- ½ teaspoon (optional)
Lemon juice, small size – 1
Salt- to taste
Oil- 1 teaspoon



PROCEDURE:
  • Using a sharp knife cut slashes in the flesh of the chicken to allow the marinade to penetrate inside the flesh.
  • Place the chicken in an oven proof shallow tray.
  • In a bowl mix yogurt, ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, kasoori methi, lime juice, salt together and mix well.
  • Apply this marinade over the chicken and rub on both the sides by turning the chicken. Rest the chicken to soak in this masala for minimum for an hour or two.
  • Tie the legs together using a rubber band or thread. And fold the wings to the back as it may burn while cooking.
  • Pre heat the oven 180oC for 15 minutes. Keep the tray inside the oven.
  • Cook for 1 hour 15 minutes. If you are using pieces of chicken like thigh or drumsticks, after 45 minutes turn the side and cook until the juices run clear when pierced near the bone with a knife.
  • Serve with lemon wedges and onion.

Note: If you use chicken heavier than this increase the cooking time. Increase 10 minutes extra for each 100 gram of chicken. Likewise for smaller chicken reduce the cooking time 10 minutes for each 100 gram.