Indonesian Style Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour  

   Prep Time: 35 minutes

Indonesian Style Chicken Ingredients

Indonesian Style Chicken Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, vegetable oil, kosher salt, ground cumin, ground coriander, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, ground turmeric, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, crushed dried fenugreek leaves, and honey. Whisk thoroughly until the marinade is smooth and evenly mixed.
  2. Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 deep slashes in each chicken thigh and drumstick to help the marinade penetrate. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and use your hands to coat them thoroughly, making sure the marinade gets into the slashes. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
  3. About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
  4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a rack in the upper third, or preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/204°C). If using an oven, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  6. Arrange the skewered chicken on the prepared rack or directly on the grill grates. Cook for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges. If using an oven, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra char.
  7. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with melted ghee or unsalted butter using a brush, repeating once more before the end of cooking for a glossy finish and added flavor.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  9. Garnish the tandoori chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Estimated Calories: 265, Servings: 4

Recommended Dishes

Tandoori Chicken FAQ

Can I swap out the chicken in this Indo recipe for something else and still get that delicious, authentic flavor? Absolutely! If you're feeling adventurous, try paneer, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian twist. The best part? The marinade is so tasty and easy, it'll make almost anything sing. Just remember, the cooking time will change-paneer and veggies need less time than chicken, so keep an eye out for that perfect char!
What if I don't have a tandoor? How do I make this Indo classic at home? No tandoor? No problem! The best homemade tandoori chicken recipe can be made in your oven, on a grill, or even in an air fryer. For that authentic smoky flavor, toss a piece of hot charcoal in a bowl, place it in your marinated chicken, and cover for a few minutes. It's a simple, quick trick that'll have your taste buds fooled!
Can I make this recipe less spicy but still keep it tasty and delicious? Of course! The beauty of this Indo chicken recipe is how easy it is to adjust. Just reduce the chili powder or swap it for paprika for a milder, yet still delicious, flavor. Want it extra mild? Add a dollop of yogurt to the marinade for a creamy, tasty twist. The best part: you're still getting all those authentic, homemade vibes.
What are some quick tips for making this recipe even easier? Here's a secret: use boneless chicken for a quick, easy, and perfect weeknight meal. Marinate overnight for the best flavor, or if you're in a rush, even 30 minutes will do the trick. And don't forget to line your baking tray with foil for simple cleanup-because who wants to scrub pans when you could be eating?
Can I use store-bought tandoori masala, or do I need to make my own for the best, authentic taste? Store-bought tandoori masala is a quick and easy shortcut, but if you want that truly authentic, homemade flavor, mix your own spices! The best Indo chicken recipes use a blend of classic ingredients like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. But hey, no judgment-sometimes the best recipe is the one that gets dinner on the table fast!
What if I'm missing some ingredients? Any simple swaps? Missing yogurt? Try sour cream or even coconut milk for a tasty, creamy marinade. No lemon? A splash of vinegar will do the trick. The best Indo chicken recipe is all about flexibility-so don't stress, just get creative and have fun with your ingredients!
How do I make sure my chicken turns out juicy and not dry? Here's a tasty tip: don't overcook! Whether you're using an oven, grill, or air fryer, keep an eye on your chicken and use a meat thermometer for perfect results. Marinating is key for juicy, delicious, and authentic flavor-so let those ingredients work their magic!

Storage Tips

When it comes to storage, tandoori chicken is like that friend who loves a cozy spot in your fridge. The best way to keep this delicious recipe fresh is to pop it into an airtight container as soon as it cools down. If you want to be extra healthy and avoid any cross contamination, make sure the container is clean and dry before you tuck your chicken in for its cold nap. This method is not only easy but also helps retain those great flavors, so your next meal is just as tasty as the first.Now, let us talk about shelf life, because nobody wants a science experiment in their fridge. Tandoori chicken will stay good for about three to four days when stored properly, which is pretty fast compared to some other dishes. If you are not planning to eat it within that time, the freezer is your best friend. Just wrap it up tight and you can enjoy this quick and easy meal for up to two months. That is a great way to always have a healthy and delicious option on hand, even on your busiest days.Reheating tandoori chicken is where the magic happens, and you want to do it right to keep that recipe tasting its best. The oven is a good choice for flavor retention, as it helps the chicken stay juicy and delicious. Just preheat to a moderate temperature, cover the chicken with foil, and heat until it is warmed through. If you are in a rush, the microwave is a fast and easy option, but be careful not to overdo it or you might end up with chicken that is more rubbery than great. Either way, you will have a quick, healthy meal ready to go!

Tandoori Chicken Story

The first time I tried to impress my grandmother with my cooking skills, I was convinced I had found the best way to her heart. She was a tough critic, known for her quick wit and even quicker judgments about food. I remember nervously following a recipe I found online, hoping it would be good enough to earn her approval. As the aroma filled the kitchen, she peeked in, raised an eyebrow, and said, "If this is as delicious as it smells, you might just be my favorite grandchild today." No pressure, right?
On a date night that was going south faster than a penguin on a waterslide, I decided to save the evening with a fast and easy dinner. My date was skeptical, probably because my previous attempt at making toast ended with the fire alarm serenading us. But as we sat down to eat, the conversation shifted from awkward small talk to laughter and stories about our own kitchen disasters. It turns out, nothing brings people together like a healthy dose of humility and a plate of something unexpectedly great.
Years later, I found myself sharing this dish with a stranger at a potluck. We bonded over our mutual confusion about which serving spoon belonged to which dish and swapped stories about our families' secret recipes. By the end of the night, we were exchanging numbers and promising to meet up for another round of culinary adventures. Who knew that something so simple and easy to make could spark a friendship that would last longer than most leftovers?

Tandoori Chicken Quick Mistake Fixes

If your tandoori chicken comes out looking like it spent a week at the beach without sunscreen, you might be dealing with a case of overcooking. Nobody wants to gnaw on a piece of chicken that could double as a chew toy for your dog. The best way to avoid this is to keep a close eye on the cooking time and temperature. Remember, a good tandoori chicken should be juicy and tender, not a test of your jaw strength. A quick check with a fork can save your dinner and your dental work, making your meal both healthy and delicious.
Now, let us talk about the dreaded dryness or sogginess. Tandoori chicken is famous for its great texture, but sometimes things go sideways. If it is dry, it might feel like you are eating a sandal, and if it is soggy, it is more like a sad, wet sock. The trick is to find that easy balance where the chicken is moist but not swimming in its own juices. A fast tip: let the chicken rest a bit after cooking so the juices redistribute, making every bite a good one. That way, your recipe will be the talk of the table for all the right reasons.
Balancing flavors with last minute changes can be a real adventure, especially if you realize at the eleventh hour that your tandoori chicken tastes more like plain chicken. If it is bland, do not panic! A quick squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of chaat masala, or a dash of salt can work wonders. Sometimes, the best dishes are born from a little improvisation. So, channel your inner chef, make those fast fixes, and watch your guests marvel at your delicious, flavor-packed creation.

About Tandoori Chicken Recipe

I used to think that making the best Tandoori Chicken (Indo) recipe at home was a task best left to restaurant chefs with fancy ovens and secret spice blends. But after trying this easy and quick homemade version, I'm officially a convert. The combination of authentic spices and simple ingredients makes this dish not only delicious but also surprisingly approachable. If you're skeptical about how to make a truly tasty Indo-style chicken in your own kitchen, trust me-this recipe will change your mind. The aroma alone is enough to make you question why you ever ordered takeout in the first place.
What really sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors. The marinade, packed with the best blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and a medley of spices, ensures every bite is juicy and bursting with taste. Even if you're not a grill master, you'll find the process easy and the results impressive. I used to think "authentic" meant complicated, but this recipe proves that with the right tips and ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can have a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you're still on the fence, let me assure you: this is the best Indo-inspired chicken recipe for skeptics and foodies alike. The homemade marinade is simple to whip up, and the cooking method is forgiving-even for beginners. Want to know how to make it even more perfect? Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a side of cooling raita. With these tips, you'll have a tasty, crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and give this easy, authentic recipe a try-you might just become a believer, too!