How to Master Oven-Baked Chicken Tandoori- A Step-by-Step Guide to Authentic Indian Flavors
How to Prepare Chicken Tandoori in Oven
Chicken Tandoori is a popular dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent, known for its flavorful and tender chicken pieces marinated in a rich blend of spices. While traditionally made in a tandoor oven, you can still achieve the same delicious results by preparing it in your own oven at home. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to prepare chicken tandoori in the oven, ensuring that you enjoy a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
To start, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 kilogram of chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or chicken breasts)
– 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
– 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric
– 1 tablespoon of red chili powder
– 1 tablespoon of garam masala
– 1 tablespoon of amchur powder (dried mango powder, optional)
– 1 tablespoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds, optional)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 inches of ginger, minced
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon of red food coloring (optional, for the iconic tandoori color)
Instructions:
1. Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in yogurt. This step is crucial for tenderizing the meat and locking in the flavors. Ensure that the yogurt is at room temperature before adding the spices.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, amchur powder, salt, black pepper, ajwain, minced garlic, minced ginger, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Stir well to form a smooth paste.
3. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the spice mixture and coat them evenly. Ensure that each piece is well-covered with the marinade. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking.
5. Take the marinated chicken pieces out of the refrigerator and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to the remaining marinade and brush it over the chicken pieces for the iconic tandoori color.
6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.
7. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken tandoori with naan bread, rice, or any of your favorite side dishes.
By following these simple steps, you can now enjoy the delightful taste of chicken tandoori prepared in your very own oven. Happy cooking!
