Tandoori-Style Roast Chicken (No Tandoor Needed!) 🍗🔥
Craving the smoky, spicy flavors of authentic tandoori chicken but don’t have a clay oven? This British-inspired Tandoori Roast Chicken delivers all the rich, aromatic spices and charred edges of the classic dish—right from your home oven! Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or weekend feasts, this recipe is easy, healthy, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
âś” Authentic spice blend (no fancy equipment needed!)
âś” Juicy, flavorful chicken (thanks to yogurt marinade)
âś” Meal-prep friendly (leftovers taste even better!)
âś” Healthier than takeout (no excess oil or artificial ingredients)
Ingredients for Tandoori-Style Roast Chicken
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins (+ marinating)
- 1 kg skinless chicken legs/thighs (bone-in for best flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 200g plain natural yoghurt (Greek yoghurt works too)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp mild paprika
- ½ tsp chilli powder (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
(Optional: Add ½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) for extra depth!)
How to Make Tandoori Chicken in the Oven
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Score the chicken lightly with a knife to help the marinade penetrate.
- In a bowl, mix yoghurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, salt, spices, and oil into a thick paste.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results).
Step 2: Roast to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 200°C (fan) / 220°C / Gas Mark 7.
- Place chicken on a wire rack over a foil-lined tray (for crispy skin, not stewing!).
- Bake for 30–35 mins, flipping halfway, until charred at the edges and cooked through.
- (Optional: Broil for 3-5 mins for extra char!)
Step 3: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh coriander and serve with:
- Pilau rice or jeera rice
- Warm garlic naan
- Mint raita or cucumber salad
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 28g | 4g | 18g |
Tips for the Best Tandoori Chicken
🔥 Extra Smoky Flavor? Add ½ tsp smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
🍗 No Bone-In Chicken? Use skinless chicken breasts (reduce cook time to 25 mins).
🌶 Like It Spicier? Increase chilli powder or add 1 chopped green chilli to the marinade.
🥡 Meal Prep Star – Leftovers make amazing wraps, salads, or biryani!
Why This Recipe Works
âś… No tandoor? No problem! Oven roasting gives perfectly charred, juicy chicken.
✅ Marinating is key – The longer, the better (overnight = maximum flavor!).
✅ Healthier than fried – Yogurt marinade keeps it tender without excess oil.
Love Indian-inspired dishes? Try our Butter Chicken or Chana Masala next!
