Tandoori Chicken
About This Course
Tandoori Chicken is a vibrant, aromatic dish originating from the Indian subcontinent, featuring chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and a blend of spices (including garam masala, turmeric, and paprika) before being cooked in a traditional clay tandoor oven. The high heat of the tandoor seals in juices and imparts a subtle smoky flavor, resulting in tender, brightly colored chicken with a crisp, charred exterior. In this course, you will learn how to create the classic marinade, prepare the chicken correctly, and replicate the tandoori-style cooking method at home—whether using an oven, grill, or stovetop.
Learning Objectives
Material Includes
- Detailed recipe card with ingredient quantities and step-by-step instructions.
- Printable spice mix chart listing proportions for garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and other seasonings.
- Illustrated guide to scoring chicken pieces and applying marinade evenly.
- Alternative cooking method sheet: oven, grill, and stovetop techniques.
- Simple chutney/raita recipe sheet and serving suggestions.
Requirements
- Basic kitchen equipment: mixing bowls, whisk, baking sheet (or grill), and meat thermometer (optional).
- Access to fresh ingredients: chicken (whole legs or thighs), plain yogurt, lemon juice, fresh garlic, fresh ginger, and cilantro (for garnish).
- Pantry staples: ground coriander, ground cumin, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and vegetable oil.
- A heat source capable of reaching at least 400 °F (200 °C) for crisp exterior (oven or grill).
- Basic knife skills for scoring and cutting chicken pieces.
Target Audience
- Home cooks eager to explore Indian grilling techniques.
- Intermediate-level chefs wanting to master spice blending and marinades.
- Anyone aiming to recreate restaurant-style tandoori dishes at home.
- Food enthusiasts interested in learning about clay-oven cooking methods.