Spicy Tandoori Chicken Recipe: Easy & Flavorful!

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for when you’re craving bold, spicy, and smoky flavors—Spicy Tandoori Chicken.

This classic Indian dish is marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt and spices, then cooked to juicy perfection. While traditionally made in a tandoor (a clay oven), this recipe uses your oven or grill to achieve the same delicious results.

It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. Let’s get started!

What’s in This Spicy Tandoori Chicken Recipe?

Tandoori chicken is known for its bright red color and smoky, spicy flavor. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with incredible flavor.

This recipe adds a little extra kick with cayenne pepper or red chili powder, making it perfect for spice lovers. Serve it with naan, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Spicy Tandoori Chicken:

For the Marinade:

2 pounds chicken (use drumsticks, thighs, or breast, skinless)
1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works great)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best)
2 tablespoons tandoori masala (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon ginger paste (or freshly grated ginger)
1 tablespoon garlic paste (or freshly minced garlic)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or red chili powder, adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky flavor)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1-2 drops of red food coloring (optional, for that classic tandoori look)

For Cooking:

1 tablespoon oil (for brushing)
Lemon wedges and fresh cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make Spicy Tandoori Chicken

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make the most flavorful tandoori chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If using chicken with skin, make a few shallow cuts on the surface to help the marinade penetrate. If using skinless chicken, you can skip this step. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and red food coloring (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken to the marinade and mix until each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven or Grill

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your grill to medium-high heat. If using the oven, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the chicken cook evenly and allows excess marinade to drip off.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Oven: Arrange the marinated chicken on the wire rack. Brush lightly with oil to help it brown. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slightly charred appearance. For extra char, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Grill: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side. It’s perfect with naan, rice, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Time

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours to overnight for marinating)
Cook time: 25-30 minutes (oven) or 15-20 minutes (grill)
Total time: About 3 hours (mostly hands-off)

Serving

This recipe makes 4-6 servings, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. It’s great as a main dish and pairs well with sides like cucumber raita, mint chutney, or roasted vegetables.

Calories

Here’s a rough estimate of the calories per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: About 300-350 calories per serving
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 5g

This dish is high in protein and relatively low in carbs, making it a great option for a healthy, balanced meal.

Tips and Tricks

Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in pieces like drumsticks and thighs stay juicier and more flavorful than boneless cuts.
Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or skip it altogether.
Make it ahead: You can marinate the chicken the night before to save time. It also tastes great as leftovers!
Add more smokiness: If you have a gas stove, you can hold the cooked chicken over an open flame for a few seconds to get that authentic tandoori char.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Spicy Tandoori Chicken recipe because it’s so flavorful and easy to make. It’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken, but it doesn’t skimp on taste.

The marinade infuses the chicken with so much flavor, and the cooking method ensures it stays juicy and tender. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce Indian flavors to your family or friends if they’ve never tried them before.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress and become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy!