Oven Baked Tandoori Chicken

Oh, where do I even start? Oven Baked Tandoori Chicken… it just fills the kitchen with this amazing, spiced aroma you can’t resist. I mean, the vibrant red color and that slight char on the edges? It makes my heart do a little happy dance every time I pull that tray out. Just imagining sinking my teeth into tender chicken marinated in a zesty yogurt blend gives me the warm fuzzies. Seriously, if you haven’t tried making this at home, you’re, um, totally missing out on one of life’s great little pleasures.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s packed with flavor – like, taste explosion in every bite!
• The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken super juicy – no dryness here!
• Perfect for dinner any night or impressing friends – it works for both!
• You control the spice level, making it just right for you and your crew.
• It’s simple to make – once you try it, you’ll be whipping it up again and again!

My family fights over the last piece, and trust me, it gets intense!

What You’ll Need

• Chicken: 8 juicy pieces of drumsticks or thighs, the meatier the better for flavor!
• Yogurt: 1 cup of creamy, plain yogurt – it’s key for that tender bite.
• Tandoori spice mix: 2 tablespoons – there’s just something about this blend, right?
• Cumin powder: 1 teaspoon for a warm earthiness.
• Garam masala: 1 teaspoon, a little hug in spice form.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon for a slight kick and color.
• Ginger paste: 1 tablespoon – fresh is best but jarred works too!
• Garlic paste: 1 tablespoon for that aromatic punch.
• Salt: to taste, but don’t go overboard!
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons for that zesty brightness.
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons to keep it moist.
• Fresh coriander: for garnish, because we eat with our eyes too!

Easy How-To

Get That Marinade Going

So, first things first, grab a bowl—one big enough to house all that goodness. Now mix the yogurt, lemon juice, and a splash of vegetable oil. Then, toss in the spices: the tandoori mix, cumin, garam masala, paprika, and salt… just combine everything until it looks like a tasty paste. That’s it! Easy, right?

Marinate the Chicken

Now, take your chicken pieces and dunk them right into that marinade. Make sure they’re like, completely coated… you want every bite to burst with flavor! Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap and toss it in the fridge. If you can, leave it overnight – but an hour works in a pinch!

Oven Time

Alright, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) while you get all your stuff ready. Line a baking tray with foil, or use parchment paper. This is just smarter cleanup later! Place a wire rack on top—this helps the air circulate around the chicken so it cooks evenly. Love that little hack!

Bring It All Together

After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge, and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully place the chicken pieces on the rack, giving them some space – they need to breathe, you know? Now just slide that tray in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Don’t forget to turn the chicken halfway so it cooks evenly. You’re looking for that magical temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Time for a Crispy Finish

For that gorgeous char, switch to broil for just 5-10 minutes—stay close, though, things can burn real fast! Trust me, it’s so worth it when it comes out looking crispy and brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before diving in!

Good to Know

• Marinate overnight if you can, it really deepens the flavor.
• Feel free to play around with spices, make it your own.
• Don’t skip the resting step—it’s crucial for juicy chicken!

Serving Ideas

• Serve it with warm naan or fluffy rice, maybe a crisp salad for balance?

Top Tricks

• If you like it smoky, toss it on a grill instead – borrowed from tandoori traditions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Oh definitely! Bone-in pieces are fab for flavor and they stay juicy while cooking. Just keep an eye on the timing.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best results, I really recommend at least 4 hours, but overnight? Perfect for that flavor punch!

Can I grill the tandoori chicken instead of baking it?

You absolutely can! Grilling adds this amazing smoky flavor… just make sure you manage the heat so it doesn’t burn!

What if I don’t have tandoori masala?

No worries at all! You can whip up a substitute with cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch of turmeric if you need to.

Is this dish spicy?

Ah, spice is a personal thing! Adjust the chili powder in your marinade to dial it up or down as needed—we all have different thresholds!

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So, there you go! Oven Baked Tandoori Chicken is not just a recipe, it’s basically a warm hug in a dish. Whether you’re entertaining or just having a cozy night in, this meal will definitely light up your table. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes! Enjoy!