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Spicy Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Spicy Tandoori Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Description

Tandoori Chicken brings Indian spice magic straight to your dinner table with a marinade that infuses tender chicken with rich, smoky flavors. Roasted to perfection in your oven, this simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that will make your family’s taste buds dance with delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs chicken legs
  • 500 ml/2 cups plain Greek yogurt

Spices:

  • 6 tablespoons tandoori masala spice mix

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Use a sharp knife to create two precise diagonal slits on each chicken leg, allowing the marinade to seep deeply into the meat.
  2. Blend 6 tablespoons tandoori masala spice mix, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups plain Greek yogurt into a smooth, vibrant marinade.
  3. Thoroughly coat each chicken leg with the marinade, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
  4. Refrigerate the seasoned chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to develop rich, complex flavors.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  6. Arrange the marinated chicken legs in the basket, positioning the cut sides facing downward for even cooking.
  7. Air fry the chicken legs for exactly 10 minutes, allowing the spices to create a beautifully crisp exterior.
  8. Carefully flip each chicken leg and continue air frying for an additional 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. Remove the first batch of chicken legs and keep them warm while repeating the cooking process with remaining pieces.

Notes

  • Cutting slits into the chicken helps the marinade sink deep into the meat, creating more flavor in every bite.
  • Using full-fat yogurt ensures a richer, creamier marinade that keeps the chicken tender and juicy during cooking.
  • For a gluten-free version, double-check that your tandoori masala spice blend doesn’t contain wheat-based additives.
  • If fresh tandoori masala isn’t available, blend your own mix with garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and a touch of cayenne for heat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 to 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg