Ingredients
– 2 pounds chicken (legs or thighs, skinless)
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece ginger, grated
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Creating Grilled Spicy Tandoori Chicken is straightforward when you follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, vegetable oil, lemon juice, tandoori masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, turmeric, garam masala, garlic, ginger, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill: About 30 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
4. Remove Excess Marinade: Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator. Shake off any excess marinade; this will help achieve a nice char during grilling.
5. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Baste for Extra Flavor: If desired, baste the chicken with leftover marinade during cooking for added moisture and flavor.
7. Check for Doneness: The chicken should have a nice char and be cooked through. If necessary, move to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking without burning.
8. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the chicken before serving for an added burst of freshness.
10. Serve with Lemon Wedges: Serve the grilled chicken with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, enhancing the flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g