Juicy Grilled Tandoori Chicken

This tandoori chicken recipe transforms a beloved Indian classic into an accessible weeknight meal without sacrificing any of the authentic flavors. The Greek yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken while the aromatic spice blend delivers that signature tandoori taste, all achievable on your home grill in minutes.

I first made this tandoori chicken when hosting friends who had just returned from traveling through northern India. They were amazed at how the flavors transported them right back to their journey even without a traditional clay oven.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt: forms the tenderizing base of the marinade creating incredibly juicy chicken
• Olive oil: helps carry flavors and prevents sticking on the grill
• Garlic: provides essential aromatic foundation use fresh for best results
• Lemon juice: both brightens flavors and helps tenderize the meat
• Garam masala: this spice blend is crucial for authentic tandoori flavor look for a fresh batch in specialty stores
• Smoked paprika: adds color and depth regular paprika works but smoked adds interesting complexity
• Turmeric: brings beautiful color and subtle earthy notes
• Cumin: delivers that distinctive warm aroma essential in Indian cooking
• Coriander: balances the stronger spices with citrusy notes
• Ground ginger: adds warmth without the sharpness of fresh ginger
• Chicken breasts: boneless skinless work perfectly thin tenders cook especially quickly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Marinade:

Combine Greek yogurt olive oil minced garlic lemon juice and all spices in a ziplock bag. The yogurt acts as both tenderizer and flavor carrier ensuring the spices penetrate deep into the meat. Make sure to mix thoroughly before adding chicken for even distribution of flavors.

Marinate The Chicken:

Add chicken pieces to the bag and massage the marinade around each piece ensuring complete coverage. Allow to marinate for at least 45 minutes but overnight is ideal as it allows the enzymes in the yogurt to fully tenderize the meat and for the flavors to deeply penetrate.

Preheat And Prepare Grill:

Heat your grill to medium high approximately 400°F. Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. This preparation step is crucial as the yogurt marinade can cause sticking if the grill isnt properly prepared.

Grill The Chicken:

Place marinated chicken on the hot grill discarding excess marinade. Grill each side for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Breast tenders will cook quickly in about 8 minutes total while larger pieces will need more time. Look for light charring which adds authentic flavor.

Rest The Chicken:

Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This critical step allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat ensuring maximum juiciness. The chicken will continue cooking slightly during this time.

Prepare Dipping Sauce:

While chicken rests whisk together yogurt olive oil vinegar honey salt and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasonings to your preference the sauce should complement the spiced chicken with its cool tangy flavor.

Pin

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the incredible aroma that fills the kitchen as the chicken hits the hot grill. The combination of toasted spices and caramelizing yogurt marinade creates a scent that always draws everyone to the table before Im even ready to serve. My daughter who normally eschews spicy foods asks for this dish regularly claiming the flavor is worth the tiny bit of heat.

Spice Level Customization

Tandoori chicken traditionally carries some heat but this recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preference. The cayenne pepper amount can be adjusted from none at all for mild palates to a full teaspoon for those who enjoy more intense heat. Remember that the yogurt in both the marinade and dipping sauce helps temper spiciness making this dish accessible even to those who typically avoid spicy foods.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own tandoori chicken pairs beautifully with several accompaniments. Serve alongside basmati rice with a pat of butter or try with warm naan bread for an authentic experience. For a complete meal add a simple cucumber raita salad cucumber tomato and onion dressed with yogurt and cumin or steamed vegetables seasoned with a touch of the same spice blend used in the chicken. The optional dipping sauce included in the recipe brings a cooling element that balances the warm spices perfectly.

Pin

Make Ahead Options

This tandoori chicken excels as a meal prep option. The marinade actually improves when given more time with the chicken making this ideal for planning ahead. You can prepare the marinated chicken up to 48 hours before cooking storing it sealed in the refrigerator. The dipping sauce can be made up to a week ahead. Cooked chicken maintains its moisture and flavor when refrigerated for up to five days making excellent leftovers for lunches or quick dinners.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I bake this tandoori chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the tandoori chicken in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C). Place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra color, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

→ What can I serve with tandoori chicken?

Traditional accompaniments include basmati rice, naan bread, cucumber raita, and a fresh salad. The provided yogurt dipping sauce also pairs perfectly. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or a chickpea curry for a complete Indian-inspired meal.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in even juicier meat. The cooking time may vary slightly—typically thighs need 5-7 minutes per side on the grill depending on their size.

→ Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the marinade?

You can substitute regular plain yogurt, though the marinade will be slightly thinner. For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or coconut cream with a tablespoon of lemon juice added for tanginess. The flavor profile will change slightly but will still be delicious.

→ Can I make this tandoori chicken ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor. You can also fully cook the chicken, refrigerate it for up to 5 days, and reheat when needed. For best results when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, or briefly microwave with a damp paper towel over the chicken.

→ What is garam masala and where can I find it?

Garam masala is an Indian spice blend typically containing cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, and other warming spices. It's available in most supermarkets in the spice section, international food aisles, or at specialty Indian grocery stores. You can also make your own by toasting and grinding these spices together.