Grilled Tandoori Chicken

If you love bold, smoky flavors with a hint of spice, this Grilled Tandoori Chicken is a must-try! Marinated in a rich blend of yogurt, spices, and a touch of lemon, this chicken is grilled to perfection for a tender, juicy bite. Ready to elevate your grilling game?

With just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve that restaurant-style tandoori taste right in your own backyard. The marinade works its magic, infusing every inch of the chicken with deep flavor. It’s the perfect dish for a summer BBQ or a weeknight dinner.

Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly charred, flavorful chicken that melts in your mouth. The combination of tangy yogurt, zesty lemon, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering experience. You’ll be craving it every week!

Get your grill ready and follow this easy recipe to make your own Grilled Tandoori Chicken. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Reader Favorite: As one reader put it, “I can’t stop making this tandoori chicken—my family loves it!”
Rich in Flavor: The combination of yogurt, spices, and ghee makes every bite full of bold, smoky goodness.
Quick Prep Time: The marinade is incredibly easy to make and only takes 30 minutes to infuse the chicken with all its flavor.
Grill or Oven-Friendly: Whether you’re grilling or baking, this recipe works wonderfully in both methods.
Meal Prep Friendly: The chicken can be made in batches and stored in the fridge for up to a few days, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, here are the kitchen tools you’ll need to make this flavorful tandoori chicken:

Mixing bowls for marinating and mixing ingredients
Grill (or oven) for cooking the chicken
Meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked
Basting brush for applying melted ghee or butter
Tongs to flip the chicken on the grill

Ingredients for Grilled Tandoori Chicken Marinade

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful grilled chicken:

For the Chicken Marinade:

Chicken Thighs (Boneless and Skinless): The thighs are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy and tender. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer.
Greek Yogurt (Plain): The yogurt serves as the base for the marinade, helping the chicken become tender while adding tangy flavor.
Chili Paste (Sambal Oelek): Adds a kick of heat. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Lemon Juice: The acidity from the lemon helps tenderize the chicken while also adding a fresh tangy flavor.
Fresh Ginger Paste: A must-have for authentic tandoori flavor.
Garlic (Minced): Adds a bold, savory undertone to the marinade.
Vegetable Oil: For moisture and to help the marinade stick to the chicken.
Red Food Coloring/Gel (Optional): For that iconic red color. Ensure you use chemical-free food coloring for a natural look.
Kosher Salt: Balances all the flavors in the marinade.
Cayenne Powder: For a little extra heat. You can increase the amount if you like it spicier.
Garam Masala: This Indian spice blend is the key to achieving the deep, earthy flavor tandoori chicken is known for.

For Serving:

Ghee or Butter (Melted): Adds richness and a slightly smoky flavor when brushed over the chicken post-grilling.
Lemon Slices: For a fresh, tangy burst of flavor when served.
Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Adds a pop of color and herbal freshness to your dish.

Variations for Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Add More Spice: If you love a spicier kick, increase the cayenne powder or add chopped jalapeños to the marinade.
Use Bone-In Chicken: For a more rustic feel and enhanced flavor, opt for bone-in chicken thighs or even drumsticks.
Vegetarian Option: You can make tandoori “chicken” using tofu or paneer, which will absorb the marinade beautifully.
Grill with Vegetables: Add some bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes to the grill for a complete tandoori meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chili paste, lemon juice (reserve half for later), ginger paste, garlic, vegetable oil, red food coloring (if using), kosher salt, cayenne powder, and garam masala. Whisk everything together until smooth. This fragrant mixture will be the perfect base for the chicken, tenderizing it and infusing it with spices.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps the marinade adhere better to the chicken. Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow cuts in the chicken to allow the marinade to penetrate deep into the meat.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Be sure the chicken is fully submerged in the yogurt and spice mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse. For best results, you can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours or overnight.

4. Grill the Chicken

Grilling Directions:

Preheat your grill: Heat the grill to medium-high (around 375°F) and clean the grates with a brush to ensure they’re free of any remnants from previous grilling sessions.
Oil the grates: Lightly grease the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s no longer pink in the middle and juices run clear.
Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes to ensure the juices redistribute inside the meat.

Oven Directions (If you prefer baking):

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation around the chicken.
Bake the chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping once halfway through cooking.
Broil for extra color (optional): To achieve the signature tandoori char, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Grilled Tandoori Chicken is as versatile as it is flavorful. Here are some serving ideas:

With Rice: Serve the chicken over basmati rice with a side of naan for an authentic Indian meal.
In Wraps: Shred the grilled chicken and wrap it in warm tortillas with fresh veggies, a drizzle of yogurt sauce, and a squeeze of lemon.
In Salads: Add grilled tandoori chicken to a fresh salad for a protein-packed lunch.
As a Snack: Cut into strips and serve with a tangy mint chutney or yogurt dip for an appetizer or snack.
With Grilled Veggies: Pair with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a complete, healthy meal.

Storing Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Cooked Chicken: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Marinade: You can store the unused marinade (before adding it to the chicken) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’ve already marinated the chicken, discard any leftover marinade to avoid contamination.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 chicken thigh)
Calories	240
Protein	20g
Carbohydrates	5g
Fat	16g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	400mg

Conclusion

Grilled Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish that combines the perfect balance of spices and tangy yogurt. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests at a BBQ, this recipe will surely become a go-to favorite. The best part? You can make it ahead, prep it for meals throughout the week, and switch up how you serve it. With just a few simple ingredients and some time on the grill, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality tandoori chicken at home!