Chicken Tandori

Prep: 12 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Indian

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a flavorful yogurt and spice mixture, perfect for those who enjoy bold Indian-inspired flavors with a hint of heat and tang.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. coriander
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp. turmeric
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 fresh chili pepper, chopped
  • 3 lb. boneless chicken breasts

Instructions

  1. Whisk Dijon mustard and vegetable oil together.
  2. Add cumin and coriander to the mixture.
  3. Add remaining ingredients: yogurt, turmeric, lemon juice, chopped chili, and chicken breasts.
  4. Marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  5. Grill the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes or until juices run clear.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the marinade. If you don’t have yogurt, you can substitute with buttermilk or sour cream. Adjust the heat level by using milder or spicier chili peppers based on your preference. For a twist, try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tandoori chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal. A side of cucumber raita can help balance the heat from the chili pepper. This dish pairs beautifully with other Indian recipes like Chicken Bombay or Hurry Curry, making it perfect for a themed dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Tandoori chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be cautious not to overcook it, as it can dry out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken Tandori contains roughly 1669 calories, with 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 182g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (325% of the Daily Value) and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2122mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).

1669 kcal 83% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.6g 7% DV
Total Fat 182g 100% DV
Carbs 16.1g 6% DV
Fiber 3.3g 12% DV
Sugar 5.2g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2121.9mg 92% DV
Potassium 431mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 184.4mg 61% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2923.2mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 9.5mg 11% DV
Calcium 144.3mg 11% DV
Iron 8.5mg 47% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through. Bone-in chicken may take a bit longer to grill, typically around 30-35 minutes, depending on the size.

What can I serve with Tandoori chicken?

Tandoori chicken goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a chickpea curry for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with mint chutney or yogurt sauce to enhance the flavors.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the spice level, you can add more chopped fresh chili pepper or include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the marinade. Additionally, using a spicier variety of chili, like jalapeños or serranos, can also amp up the heat.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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