Introduction
Summer is here, and that means it is time to fire up the grill and get cooking. One of the most popular dishes to make on the BBQ is tandoori chicken. This spicy and flavorful dish originates from India and is a staple in Indian cuisine. But, what if you could make it yourself at home? In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create the perfect tandoori BBQ recipe.Ingredients
To make tandoori chicken on the BBQ, you will need the following ingredients:- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Marinade
The key to making delicious tandoori chicken is the marinade. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. To make the marinade, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, paprika, turmeric powder, salt, red chili powder, black pepper powder, and vegetable oil in a large bowl.Preparation
Once the marinade is ready, add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.Cooking
When you are ready to cook the tandoori chicken on the BBQ, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken pieces out of the marinade and shake off any excess marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.Serving
Tandoori chicken is best served hot off the grill with some fresh naan bread and a side of raita. Raita is a yogurt-based sauce that is often served with Indian dishes to cool down the heat of the spices. To make raita, combine 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber, 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and serve alongside the tandoori chicken.Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when making tandoori chicken on the BBQ:- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor and juiciness.
- Make sure to shake off any excess marinade before placing the chicken on the grill to prevent flare-ups.
- If you don't have a BBQ, you can also make tandoori chicken in the oven by baking it at 425°F for 25-30 minutes.
- For extra smokiness, add some wood chips to the grill.
- If you like your tandoori chicken spicier, add more red chili powder.