Easy Tandoori Chicken Recipe Without Tandoor Oven

Liputan6.com, Jakarta If you are looking for a dish that is full of flavor and color, the tandoori chicken recipe is a great choice. This famous Indian dish is loved all around the world for its smoky taste and vibrant spices. The unique cooking method makes it stand out from other chicken dishes.

The tandoori chicken recipe comes from India and gets its name from the traditional clay oven called the tandoor. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked at high heat, which gives it a delicious smoky flavor. Over the years, it has become a favorite in Indian restaurants worldwide.

In this article, we will share our easy tandoori chicken recipe and tips you should try at home. We will also share some tasty side dish ideas to eat with the tandoori chicken. We gathered the recipe and tips from various sources, Tuesday (16/9/2025).

If you don't have a tandoor oven at home, don't worry. This tasty tandoori chicken recipe only uses a normal oven to make this tasty Indian dish that many people love.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

- 1 tablespoon ground cumin

- 1 tablespoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 2 teaspoons garam masala

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- Salt to taste

- Fresh cilantro and lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces. Make small cuts on the meat to help the marinade go deep inside.

2. In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, smoked paprika, oil, and salt.

3. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade. Make sure every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

4. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or heat your grill. Line a baking tray with foil and place a rack on top.

5. Arrange the chicken pieces on the rack. Bake or grill for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked inside.

6. For extra smoky flavor, you can place a small piece of hot charcoal in a bowl, put it inside the tray, and cover it with a lid for a few minutes to infuse smoke.

7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges before serving.

Making tandoori chicken at home can be simple, but a few tricks can make it taste even better. Here are some useful tips to follow:

1. Marinate Longer for Better Flavor: Marinating for at least 8 hours allows the yogurt and spices to deeply penetrate the meat, giving it a richer, stronger flavor compared to a quick soak.

2. Use Thick Yogurt: Thick yogurt helps the marinade cling to the chicken, ensuring every bite is full of flavor while also making the texture creamy and slightly tangy.

3. Don’t Skip the Cuts on Chicken: Small slits on the chicken help the marinade absorb into the meat, so the spices don’t just sit on the surface but spread throughout the chicken.

4. Cook on High Heat: High heat gives the chicken the signature charred edges and smoky aroma that make tandoori chicken special, mimicking the effect of a clay tandoor oven.

5. Add a Touch of Smoked Flavor: Smoked paprika or the charcoal method creates that authentic smoky taste, adding depth and a restaurant-style flavor to homemade tandoori chicken.

6. Brush with Oil While Cooking: Brushing lightly with oil during cooking keeps the chicken moist, adds shine, and prevents the marinade from drying out under high heat.

Tandoori chicken is tasty on its own, but it becomes even more enjoyable when paired with the right side dishes. Here are some great options to serve with it:

1. Naan Bread – Soft, warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the flavorful chicken and spices.

2. Basmati Rice – A bowl of fragrant basmati rice balances the strong flavors of the tandoori spices.

3. Mint Chutney – This fresh and tangy dip made with mint and yogurt adds a cool touch to the smoky chicken.

4. Raita – A yogurt-based side dish with cucumber or onion that helps cool down the spiciness.

5. Roasted Vegetables – Grilled or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions pair well with the chicken.

6. Salad with Lemon Dressing – A simple salad with lemon juice adds freshness and lightness to the meal.

7. Pickled Onions – Quick-pickled onions with vinegar and spices give a tangy crunch that matches the rich chicken.

With these combinations, your tandoori chicken recipe will be a complete and satisfying meal.