Chicken Tandoori I

Authentic Chicken Tandoori Recipe from Oman | Step-by-Step Instructions

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 2-3 hours | Cooking time: 50-60 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chicken Tandoori is a popular Indian dish known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors. This dish is traditionally made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then cooking it in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a smoky, charred flavor.

History

Chicken Tandoori is said to have originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It was traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven that is heated to high temperatures using charcoal or wood. The marinade for Chicken Tandoori typically includes yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices such as turmeric, cayenne pepper, and cardamom.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken
0.5 cup of plain yogurt
4 large cloves of garlic, crushed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp Omani mixed spice
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp cardamom
1 finely chopped small hot pepper (or 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper)
4 tbsp chopped fresh coriander or cilantro (or some oregano flakes)

How to prepare

Skin the chicken. Wash it, cut it into 8 pieces, and drain it. In a bowl, mix the chicken with all of the other ingredients except for the fresh chopped coriander. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours.
Put a heavy saucepan with a good lid on the stove. Add a few tablespoons of oil to the pan and turn on the heat. Place the chicken in the pan with the bony side down. Sprinkle the fresh coriander over the chicken. Cover with the lid. Lower the heat to the minimum level and allow to cook for 50–60 minutes or until the chicken is tender. You may serve the chicken as it is, or brown it under a broiler for a few minutes before serving.

Variations

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chaat masala for extra flavor.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to skin the chicken before marinating it to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

- Cooking the chicken on low heat for a longer period of time will result in tender, juicy meat.

- For a smoky flavor, you can finish the chicken under a broiler for a few minutes after cooking it on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Tandoori can be served with naan bread, rice, or a side of vegetables. It is often accompanied by a cooling yogurt sauce or chutney.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours for maximum flavor.

- Cook the chicken on low heat for a longer period of time to ensure it is tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Greek yogurt can be used instead of plain yogurt.

- Ground coriander can be used in place of fresh coriander.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate it until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the chicken with fresh cilantro or mint leaves before serving. - Serve the chicken on a bed of lettuce or with a side of sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Tandoori pairs well with a light, refreshing beer or a glass of lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken Tandoori can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220 per serving

Carbohydrates

3g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 5% of daily value

- Iron: 10% of daily value

Alergens

Dairy (yogurt)

Summary

Chicken Tandoori is a high-protein dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of iron and vitamin C.

Summary

Chicken Tandoori is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Tandoori. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Rani who had just returned from a trip to India. She raved about the delicious dishes she had tried there, and she couldn't wait to share one of her favorite recipes with me.

Rani had a passion for cooking, and she had learned how to make authentic Indian dishes from her grandmother. As we sat in her kitchen, surrounded by the aromatic spices of cumin, coriander, and turmeric, she pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from her recipe box. It was her grandmother's recipe for Chicken Tandoori, a popular Indian dish that is marinated in yogurt and spices before being grilled to perfection.

As Rani read aloud the list of ingredients and instructions, I couldn't wait to try it for myself. The combination of flavors and aromas sounded absolutely divine, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

After jotting down the recipe in my own handwriting, Rani and I set to work preparing the Chicken Tandoori. We marinated the chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. The vibrant colors and fragrant spices filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As we waited for the chicken to marinate, Rani shared stories of her grandmother and the traditional Indian meals she used to prepare for her family. She spoke fondly of the love and care her grandmother put into each dish, and I could feel the connection between them through their shared love of cooking.

When the chicken was ready, we skewered the pieces and grilled them to perfection. The tantalizing aroma of the spices wafted through the air, drawing in my family members who couldn't wait to taste the dish Rani had taught me to make.

As we sat down to enjoy the Chicken Tandoori, the flavors exploded in my mouth. The tender, juicy chicken was infused with the rich and complex blend of spices, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. My family members couldn't get enough, and they raved about how delicious the dish was.

From that day on, Chicken Tandoori became a regular feature on our dinner table. I perfected the recipe over time, adjusting the spices to suit my family's taste preferences and experimenting with different cooking techniques. Each time I made it, I thought of Rani and her grandmother, and I felt grateful for the gift of this incredible recipe.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Chicken Tandoori with friends and family, passing on the tradition of authentic Indian cooking that was taught to me by Rani. I have made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and quiet dinners at home, each time relishing in the memories of that warm summer day when I first learned how to make this delicious dish.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people who have enriched my life through the joy of cooking. The recipe for Chicken Tandoori will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the love and connection that food can bring to our lives. And for that, I am truly thankful.