this recipe is perfect for Kids
Want to see how easy this can be made ? Watch the video below.
Looking for a simple yet flavor-packed chicken recipe that doesn’t take hours to prepare? My Quick and Easy Tandoori Chicken Recipe brings the rich, smoky flavors of traditional Indian tandoori chicken to your kitchen—without the need for a clay oven or overnight marination. This is a very basic recipe suitable for kids. But if you like a bit of spice in your chicken then do check out my other recipes where the chicken is more spicier ?
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it as a main dish, in wraps, or even with a side of naan and mint chutney!
📝 What Is Tandoori Chicken?
Tandoori chicken is a classic Indian dish where chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a cylindrical clay oven). It’s known for its vibrant red color, juicy texture, and smoky flavor. But don’t worry—we’re making a quick version using your oven or stovetop that still delivers big on taste.
Tandoori Chicken is one dish you will find at every restaurant or dinner party.
They can be air fried, oven baked and pan fried and are accompanied with lots of fresh salad and sauces.
Try it and let me know in the comments how your recipe turned out. Enjoy ?
❗❗A few tips of making this:❗❗
I used Greek yogurt but any thick yogurt is good. If you don’t have thick yogurt, strain your yogurt in a muslin cloth or strainer to remove the excess water. The less water inside the better.
The same method can be applied for BBQ’s, prepare the chicken in advance, semi grill if you prefer then cook and charr on the BBQ.
You can enhance the flavor of the chicken according to your spice palette. Add Chilli powder as an extra option. I kept these quite basic as I wanted the natural flavors and usually spice up the chicken with salads and sauces. Keeping them to an average spice level is safer to accommodate all guests.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 500g – 750g boned chicken (leg & thighs or drumsticks work best)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tbsp chicken tikka masala* or Tandoori masala* *if you do not have this powder, use the ingredients in the recipe card below
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 4-5 tbsp oil (vegetable or mustard oil for more flavor)
- A few drops of red food color (for that classic tandoori look)
- 1 tsp chaat masala to garnish
🍗 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix all marinade ingredients (except the chaat masala) until well combined. Carve slits in the chicken and add the chicken to the marinade and coat it thoroughly. You can let it sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature, or marinate for up to 24 hours in the fridge if you have time – overnight marination is the best.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Option 1: Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Place chicken on a foil-lined baking tray or rack.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for that smoky finish.
Option 2: Stovetop Method
- Heat a non-stick pan or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a little oil and place the chicken pieces in the pan.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes untill fully cooked
- then charr on open flame each side until nicely charred.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Pinch0fSugar
Sprinkle with chaat masala or squeeze a bit of lemon on top. Serve hot with mint chutney, onion rings, and naan or rice.
🧑🍳 Tips for the Best Quick Tandoori Chicken
- Don’t skip the yogurt: It tenderizes the chicken and helps the spices stick.
- Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier and are harder to overcook than breasts.
- Want extra smoky flavor? Try the “dhungar” method. Heat a small piece of charcoal, place it in a bowl with a drop of oil inside your cooked chicken dish, cover for 2 minutes, and let it absorb the smoky aroma.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Pair your tandoori chicken with:
- Garlic naan or buttered roti
- Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
- Cucumber raita, yogurt and mint chutney or Green Chutney
- Fresh salad or pickled onions
📽️ Watch the Full Recipe
Stay tuned for the recipe video – Coming soon!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No tandoor required!
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- Naturally high in protein and gluten-free
- Bursting with traditional Indian flavors in a fraction of the time
📌 Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Tandoori Chicken recipe is proof that bold, authentic flavors don’t have to take hours to develop. It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something satisfying, healthy, and irresistibly tasty.
👉 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more easy and delicious recipes. Tag @Pinch0fSugar with your comments and pictures.
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Give me a thumbs up it you found my technique and tips useful ?❤
Quick and Easy Tandoori Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken legs or chicken pieces as required
- 1 tsp Ginger paste
- 1 tsp Garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder or white pepper
- 1 tsp mixed curry powder
- 1 tsp Salt adjust to taste
- 3 tbsp plain greek yogurt or 1/2 cup (or any as long as it's hung)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice or 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp red or deep orange food color
- 3-4 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp chaat masala powder
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp chilli powder optional
Instructions
- marinade for 3-4 hours or overnight
- place on oven tray and bake for 40-50 minutes turning it midweay
- once cooked, garnish with Lemon wedges
Looking for Sweet Dishes? Check these recipes out…….
Do check out my other festive treats:
- 2 types of Fruit Chaat
- Two Variations of Pakora’s Using Instant Pakora Mix
- Instant Pakora Mix
- How to make Coriander & Mint Chutney
- 2 types of Fruit Chaat
- Chinese Chicken Spring Rolls
- Rolling Technique for Chinese Chicken Spring Rolls
- Khajoor Pak – Dairy-free / Sugar-free / Gluten-free / Dates & Dry Fruit Barfi
Check out my other Video Recipes added below!
- Quick and Easy Chicken Tikka Wrap
- Quick and Easy Tandoori Chicken
- Yogurt and Mint Chutney
- Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings in Air-Fryer
- Chinese Chicken Spring Rolls
- Sumac and Onion Salad
- Mobeen Chutney
- Masala Lamb Chops
More Delicious Chinese Recipes coming soon so stay tuned!
- Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Orange Chicken
- Lettuce Wraps
- Chicken Fried Rice
Pinch 0f Sugar’s Online Shop – Here is the link to my Amazon Affiliate store where I have hand selected a few products that I use in my own kitchen hence would reference for purchase. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
❗❗Kitchen utensils I use ❗❗
