Grilled Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Name: Grilled Tandoori Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: FOR THE MARINADE:; 2-inch piece ginger, peeled; 4 large cloves garlic; 1/4 tsp. turmeric; 1 tsp. chili powder; 1-1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds, ground; 3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt; 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice; A few drops red food coloring or tandoori coloring (optional); FOR THE CHICKEN:; 2 to 3 lb. boneless chicken thighs and breasts; 1/4 cup melted butter or olive oil; FOR THE GARNISH:; 1/2 mild onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves; 1 or 2 fresh green chiles, thinly sliced; 1 lime, cut in wedges

Servings: persons

FOR THE MARINADE:
2-inch piece ginger, peeled
4 large cloves garlic
1/4 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. chili powder
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds, ground
3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
A few drops red food coloring or tandoori coloring (optional)
FOR THE CHICKEN:
2 to 3 lb. boneless chicken thighs and breasts
1/4 cup melted butter or olive oil
FOR THE GARNISH:
1/2 mild onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 or 2 fresh green chiles, thinly sliced
1 lime, cut in wedges

1
To make the marinade -- In a blender or food processor, blend the ginger and garlic to a fine paste (you may need to add a little water to make a paste). Add the turmeric, chili powder, salt, cumin, yogurt, lime juice, and food coloring; process until combined.
2
To prepare the chicken -- Remove the skin from the chicken, leaving some fat. Make a few slits in each piece and transfer to a nonreactive dish large enough for the pieces to lie flat. Pour the marinade over the chicken and stir to coat the chicken thoroughly. Seal with plastic, refrigerate, and marinate for at least 4 to no more than 12 hours, turning the chicken once. To grill the chicken-Ready a charcoal grill with an even layer of coals. While the grill is heating up, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. When the charcoal is red-hot, lay the chicken pieces on the grill about 2 inches apart. Baste with any remaining marinade. Cover the grill, leaving the vents half-open.
3
Pour the marinade over the chicken and stir to coat the chicken thoroughly.
4
After about 5 minutes, remove the grill lid and turn over the chicken pieces; they should look slightly charred. Replace the lid and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes. Uncover the chicken, baste it with the melted butter, turn it over, and leave it uncovered for the rest of the cooking time. Baste after 2 or 3 minutes and test for doneness: the meat should feel firm when you press it.
5
Transfer the chicken to a large platter. Arrange the onion, cilantro, chiles, and lime wedges over the chicken and seal the platter with foil. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to absorb the garnish flavors.

467

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: FOR THE MARINADE:, 2-inch piece ginger, peeled, 4 large cloves garlic, 1/4 tsp. turmeric, and more.

Yes, Grilled Tandoori Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions