How to Make Authentic Tandoori Chicken at Home

Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its smoky aroma, juicy texture, and bold spices. Traditionally cooked in a clay tandoor, it can also be prepared easily in an oven, air fryer, or grill.

Ingredients

• 750 g chicken legs or thighs

• ½ cup thick yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• ½ teaspoon cumin powder

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

• 1 tablespoon mustard oil

• Salt to taste

• Butter for brushing

Preparation

Make deep cuts in the chicken so the marinade can penetrate properly. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, mustard oil, salt, and all the spices in a bowl.

Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade, making sure it enters the cuts. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours. For the best flavor, marinate it overnight.

Cooking Method

Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the marinated chicken on a wire rack over a baking tray. Bake for 25–35 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Brush the chicken with melted butter during the final few minutes. For slightly charred edges, use the grill or broil setting for two to three minutes.

The chicken should be fully cooked, juicy inside, and lightly crisp outside.

Tips for Authentic Flavor

Use thick yogurt so the marinade sticks properly. Mustard oil gives the chicken a traditional aroma, while high-temperature cooking creates the signature roasted texture.

For extra smokiness, place a hot piece of charcoal in a small bowl beside the cooked chicken. Add a few drops of ghee, cover immediately, and leave for two minutes.

Serve hot with mint chutney, onion rings, lemon wedges, and naan. This homemade tandoori chicken is spicy, smoky, tender, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.