Tandoori chicken masala is a flavorful and aromatic dish that involves marinating chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt, followed by grilling or baking to achieve a smoky, charred flavor. Here's a recipe to make tandoori chicken masala at home:
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs (approx. 1 kg) chicken pieces (bone-in, skinless thighs or drumsticks work well)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste (or finely minced ginger and garlic)
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to preferred spice level)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Optional: a few drops of red food color (traditional, but optional)
For Garnish:
- Sliced onions
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
1. Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces. Make shallow cuts on the chicken to help the marinade penetrate.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala powder, paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and oil. Mix everything together thoroughly to form a smooth marinade.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare a grill for cooking.
5. If using an oven, line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Grease the rack lightly.
6. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the wire rack, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Arrange them evenly with some space between each piece.
7. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and charred at the edges. If grilling, cook the chicken on a preheated grill, turning occasionally until fully cooked and charred.
8. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven or grill. Garnish with sliced onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and lemon wedges.
9. Serve the tandoori chicken masala hot with naan, rice, or your choice of accompaniments. Enjoy!
Adjust the spice levels and marinating time according to your taste preferences for a perfect tandoori chicken masala.

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