Smoky Grilled Tandoori Chicken Recipe: Authentic Spice Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering grilled tandoori chicken recipe promises an adventure into vibrant indian cuisine that will spark your culinary imagination.

Spices dance with tender meat, creating layers of complex flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of delhi.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into a spectacular dish bursting with aromatic warmth.

Yogurt and carefully selected spices work their magic, infusing each bite with incredible depth and richness.

Charcoal grilling adds a smoky dimension that elevates this classic dish beyond simple weeknight cooking.

Authentic techniques merge with accessible ingredients, making this recipe both impressive and approachable for home cooks.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and start marinating right now to experience this delectable culinary journey.

Why You’ll Enjoy Grilled Tandoori Chicken

• Unleash Bold Flavors: Dive into a spice-packed marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering tandoori experience with layers of aromatic Indian spices.
• Master Grilling Techniques: Learn professional grilling skills that create perfectly charred, juicy chicken with caramelized edges and tender interior, suitable for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Customize Your Meal: Adapt the recipe with flexible serving options like pairing with rice, naan, or salad, making it versatile for different dining preferences and occasions from casual family dinners to weekend gatherings.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish with minimal prep time, using simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that deliver maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

What You Need For Grilled Tandoori Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh cuts that serve as the main protein for this tandoori-style dish.

• Plain Yogurt: Provides a creamy base and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps distribute flavors evenly.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps break down meat fibers.

• Tandoori Masala, Garam Masala: Traditional Indian spice mixes that create authentic tandoori flavor profile.
• Turmeric, Red Chili Powder, Black Pepper: Contribute warmth, heat, and depth to the marinade.
• Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste: Provide aromatic base notes and enhance overall taste.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the complex spice mixture.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lemon Wedges, Green Chilies: Add fresh color, citrus brightness, and optional extra heat to the final dish.

How To Make Grilled Tandoori Chicken Right

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Tandoori Chicken Marinade

• Plain yogurt
• Tandoori masala
• Garam masala
• Turmeric
• Red chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ginger paste
• Garlic paste
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil

Blend until you create a smooth, vibrant mixture that bursts with aromatic spices and rich colors.

Step 2: Massage Chicken With Flavorful Coating

Take chicken breasts and thoroughly coat them in the prepared marinade. Ensure every inch of the meat gets covered with the spicy mixture. Pop the chicken into the refrigerator and let it marinate for 2-3 hours, allowing the spices to work their magic and tenderize the meat completely.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly brush with oil to prevent any sticking during cooking.

Step 4: Bring Chicken to Room Temperature

Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before grilling. Letting the meat sit helps it cook more evenly and prevents uneven cooking.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the marinated chicken onto the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, watching for those beautiful charred edges and caramelized spots. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and delicious eating.

Step 6: Let the Chicken Rest

Transfer the grilled chicken to a resting plate and loosely cover with foil. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute the juices and keeps the meat incredibly tender.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Slice the chicken diagonally for an elegant presentation. Arrange on a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Add some lemon wedges and optional sliced green chilies for an extra kick.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately alongside fluffy rice, warm naan bread, or a crisp salad. Your tandoori chicken is ready to become the star of the meal!

Top Tips For Grilled Tandoori Chicken

• Marinate Masterfully: Use full-fat yogurt for richer, more tender chicken that absorbs spices more effectively.
• Prevent Dryness: Never pierce chicken while grilling to keep natural juices locked inside, ensuring succulent meat.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to marinade for extra authentic tandoor-like smokiness without compromising traditional spice profile.
• Temperature Control: Let chicken rest at room temperature before grilling to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent tough, uneven texture.
• Spice Smart: Adjust chili powder quantity based on personal heat tolerance without losing authentic tandoori essence.

Ways To Add A Twist To Grilled Tandoori Chicken

• Oven-Roasted Tandoori: Preheat oven to 425°F and bake marinated chicken on a wire rack, achieving similar charred effect with consistent heat distribution.
• Slow Cooker Tandoori: Place marinated chicken in slow cooker, cook on low for 4-5 hours, ensuring tender meat with deep, rich spice infusion.
• Tandoori Chicken Skewers: Cut chicken into cubes, thread onto metal skewers, grill for quicker cooking and easier handling during serving.
• Air Fryer Tandoori: Cook marinated chicken pieces in air fryer at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, creating crispy exterior with minimal oil usage.

Tasty Pairings With Grilled Tandoori Chicken

• Pair with Cooling Raita: Create a refreshing yogurt-based side with cucumber, mint, and a pinch of cumin to balance the spicy tandoori chicken's intense heat and rich flavors.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity that cuts through the chicken's bold spices and complements its tangy marinade.
• Match with Fragrant Basmati Rice: Prepare saffron-infused basmati rice with whole spices like cardamom and cinnamon to absorb the tandoori chicken's aromatic marinade and provide a subtle, elegant base.

How To Store Grilled Tandoori Chicken Properly

• Store leftover grilled tandoori chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Slice cooled chicken and store separately from sides. Keep in individual portion containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Grilled Tandoori Chicken Q&A

• What is tandoori masala?

A blend of ground spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, and other aromatic spices commonly used in Indian cuisine to create a distinctive, warm flavor profile.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They have more fat content, which helps keep the meat juicy and adds extra flavor during grilling.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part. The chicken should have no pink color and juices should run clear.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of red chili powder used. You can adjust the quantity to make it mild or more intense based on your personal spice tolerance.

Grilled Tandoori Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 12 minutes – 3 hours 14 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling tandoori chicken brings Indian spice magic right to your grill, delivering bold flavors that dance across your palate. Marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, this classic dish offers an authentic culinary journey you’ll savor with every succulent bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste

Spices and Marinade:

• 2 tbsp tandoori masala
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Garnish and Serving:

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 lemon (for wedges)
• 2 green chilies (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Blend yogurt, tandoori masala, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, black pepper, ginger paste, garlic paste, lemon juice, and olive oil into a smooth, vibrant marinade.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, allowing spices to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Remove chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling to reach room temperature, which promotes even cooking.
5. Place marinated chicken on preheated grill, cooking 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops charred, caramelized edges.
6. Transfer grilled chicken to a resting plate, cover loosely with foil, and let sit for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
7. Slice chicken diagonally and arrange on serving platter, garnishing with fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, and optional sliced green chilies.
8. Serve immediately with accompanying sides like rice, naan, or salad for a complete tandoori-style meal.

Notes

• Adjust the marinade intensity by reducing chili powder for a milder version, perfect for those with lower spice tolerance.
• Swap chicken breasts with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian alternative that absorbs the same vibrant tandoori flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender chicken.
• If outdoor grilling isn’t possible, replicate tandoori char using a hot cast-iron skillet or oven broiler for similar caramelized results.

• Prep Time: 2-3 hours
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg