Tandoori Chicken is a popular dish in Indian cuisine that is known for its smoky and flavourful taste. In this blog, we'll explore the origins of tandoori chicken, share a delicious recipe, and provide cooking tips to help you make the perfect tandoori chicken at home.

Origins of Tandoori Chicken:

Tandoori chicken is said to have originated in the northern region of India, specifically in the Punjab region. The dish is named after the clay oven, known as a tandoor, in which it is traditionally cooked. The tandoor oven is used to cook a variety of Indian breads and dishes and can reach temperatures of up to 900°F. The dish was popularized in the 1940s by a famous Punjabi chef named Kundan Lal Gujral, who was the owner of a restaurant called Moti Mahal. He experimented with marinating chicken in yogurt and spices and cooking it in a tandoor oven, resulting in the creation of tandoori chicken.

Delicious Tandoori Chicken Recipe:

Here is a simple and delicious recipe for tandoori chicken that you can make at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken legs and thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, paprika, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice until well combined.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken on the wire rack and brush with vegetable oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and charred.
7. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Cooking Tips:

To make the perfect tandoori chicken, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
• Use a wire rack to elevate the chicken while cooking to allow the heat to circulate around the chicken and promote even cooking.
• Brush the chicken with vegetable oil to keep it moist and prevent it from sticking to the wire rack.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion:

Tandoori chicken is a classic Indian dish that is loved for its smoky and flavourful taste. With the recipe and cooking tips provided above, you can now make delicious tandoori chicken in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a group, tandoori chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.