Authentic Tandoori Chicken Recipe - Grilled

Juicy, Flavor-Packed Tandoori Chicken with Smoky Charred Edges – Straight from Your Grill! If you're craving bold, restaurant-quality Indian food at home, this grilled Tandoori Chicken recipe is your new favorite go-to. Bursting with aromatic spices and smoky flavors, this dish delivers everything you love about traditional Indian cuisine—without needing a tandoor oven. Marinated in spiced yogurt and grilled to perfection, this chicken is juicy, flavorful, and wonderfully charred. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice, fresh cucumber salad, and grilled vegetables for a complete Indian feast.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, meal-prepping for the week, or simply shaking up your dinner routine, homemade tandoori chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and designed for everyday cooks using easy-to-find ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken

Authentic Indian flavor with everyday ingredients
Healthier than takeout – no deep frying involved
Make-ahead friendly – marinade up to 24 hours ahead
Perfect for grilling season or indoor baking
Great for meal prep, picnics, or family dinners

Tandoori Chicken Recipe

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Category

Main Course

Cuisine

Indian

Servings

4

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Calories

356

This easy tandoori chicken recipe features bone-in chicken marinated in a mixture of plain yogurt, garam masala, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. The marinade tenderizes the meat while infusing it with authentic Indian flavor. Traditionally cooked in a clay tandoor oven, we’ve adapted this recipe for the grill or oven—making it perfect for home kitchens. The result? Smoky, tender chicken that’s slightly spicy, irresistibly flavorful, and vibrant in color (thanks to optional food coloring).

Author:

Guiseppe

Ingredients

• 2 lb Chicken (cut into pieces, skinless)

• 1 medium Lemon (juiced)

• 1 tsp Salt

• 1 ¼ cups Plain Yogurt

• ½ medium Onion (finely chopped)

• 1 Garlic Clove (minced)

• 2 tsp Garam Masala

• 1 tsp Ginger (freshly grated)

• 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper

• 1 tsp Red Food Coloring (optional)

• 1 tsp Yellow Food Coloring (optional)

• 2 tsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped)

• 1 Lemon (wedges, for garnish)

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Directions

1. Remove and discard skin from the chicken. Cut shallow slits into the meat to help absorb the marinade. Place chicken in a shallow dish.
2. Drizzle chicken with lemon juice and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together yogurt, chopped onion, garlic, garam masala, ginger, and cayenne. If using, add red and yellow food coloring for the classic tandoori look.
4. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the yogurt mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Remove chicken from marinade (discard excess). Grill for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Alternatively: Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 25–30 minutes.
7. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy hot off the grill!

Recipe Note

Chef Tips

• For the most tender meat, use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks.
  
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor without a grill.
  
• Want it spicier? Increase the cayenne or add chili powder.
  
• Use full-fat yogurt for a richer marinade that clings well to the meat.
  

Serving Suggestions

Pair your grilled tandoori chicken with:

• Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
  
• Grilled corn on the cob
  
• Raita (yogurt with cucumber and spices)
  
• Warm naan or flatbread
  
• Fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a cooling contrast
  

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
  

Nutrition

Nutrition

Serving Size

1 serving

per serving

Calories

356

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Carbs

14 grams

5%

Protein

36 grams

72%

Fat

19 grams

24%