Tandoori Chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its distinctive smoky and tangy flavors. Traditionally, it is marinated in yogurt and a blend of spices, then cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor. Here’s a delicious recipe for making Tandoori Chicken at home with an Indian twist:

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken pieces (legs or boneless)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp tandoori masala (available in stores or homemade)
• 1 tbsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp ground turmeric
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground cardamom
• 1 tbsp ground cloves
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (made by grinding equal parts of fresh ginger and garlic)
• 2 tbsp cilantro (coriander) leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, optional)
• Salt to taste
• Lemon wedges and cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, vegetable oil, lemon juice, tandoori masala, red chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, ground black pepper, ginger-garlic paste, cilantro leaves, kasuri methi (if using), and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to 180°C (350°F). If using a charcoal grill, set it up for direct grilling.
4. Skewer the marinated chicken pieces and place them on the grill or in the oven. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a charred and smoky flavor.
5. If using an oven, you can also broil the chicken on high for the last 5 minutes to get a nice charred texture.
6. Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. Garnish with lemon wedges and cilantro leaves before serving.

Serve the hot and juicy Tandoori Chicken with mint chutney, sliced onions, and naan or rice for a delicious and flavorful Indian-style meal. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Tandoori Chicken right in your own kitchen!