Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Indian Tandoori Chicken with Basmati Rice. This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken marinated in a rich blend of aromatic spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, then grilled to perfection. Serve it alongside fragrant Basmati Rice, known for its long grain and delightful nutty taste. The vibrant hues and bold flavors of this classic Indian dish will transport you straight to the streets of Mumbai. Don’t miss out on the chance to savor this authentic culinary experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Tandoori chicken:
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Tandoori masala spice mix
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-inch piece of ginger, grated
- Salt, to taste
For the marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Tandoori masala spice mix
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-inch piece of ginger, grated
For the Basmati rice:
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
For serving:
- Fresh cilantro or coriander, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Onion slices
Preparation
Marinating the chicken
To prepare the Tandoori chicken, start by cleaning the chicken thighs and removing any excess fat or skin. Using a sharp knife, make a few deep cuts into the chicken to allow the marinade to penetrate. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade – plain yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, Tandoori masala spice mix, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground coriander, ground turmeric, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Season the marinade with salt to taste. Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for the flavors to develop.
Preparing the Basmati rice
Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess starch from the rice grains, resulting in fluffy rice. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed Basmati rice, water, and salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the rice for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Cooking the Tandoori Chicken
Grilling method
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This ensures even cooking. Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The yogurt in the marinade will create a beautiful charred crust on the chicken, giving it that delicious Tandoori flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Oven method
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Arrange the chicken thighs on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows the heat to circulate and ensures even cooking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken will develop a beautiful charred crust in the oven, similar to the grilled version. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking the Basmati Rice
Stovetop method
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed Basmati rice, water, and salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the rice for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Rice cooker method
Transfer the rinsed Basmati rice to the rice cooker. Add the water and salt. Close the lid of the rice cooker and select the appropriate cooking setting. Let the rice cooker do its magic and once it’s done, let the rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Serving
Garnish
Before serving, garnish the Tandoori chicken with freshly chopped cilantro or coriander. The vibrant green color adds a pop of freshness to the dish. Serve the chicken with lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing a little lemon juice over the chicken enhances the flavors and adds a tangy element.
Side dishes
Tandoori chicken pairs perfectly with various side dishes. Serve it with fragrant Basmati rice, naan bread, or roti for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber and mint raita, which helps balance the spiciness of the Tandoori chicken with its cool and refreshing flavors. Onion slices can also be served alongside as a crunchy and flavorful accompaniment.
Tips
Tandoori chicken variation
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. The cooking time may be slightly shorter for chicken breasts, so be sure to monitor the internal temperature to prevent overcooking.
Marinating tips
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices and yogurt to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. However, if you’re short on time, marinate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours.
Rice cooking tips
To achieve perfectly cooked Basmati rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This helps remove excess starch from the rice, resulting in light and fluffy grains. Additionally, letting the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the excess moisture to be absorbed, resulting in perfectly cooked rice.
FAQs
What is Tandoori chicken?
Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish where chicken is marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then traditionally cooked in a Tandoor clay oven. The marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors and the high heat of the Tandoor oven gives it a smoky and charred taste. The resulting dish is juicy, tender, and packed with aromatic spices.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for a leaner option. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be less moist and flavorful compared to thighs. To retain moisture, be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to develop and the marinade to tenderize the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
What can I serve with Tandoori chicken?
Tandoori chicken is often served with Basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. These accompaniments help soak up the delicious flavors of the chicken and complete the meal. Additionally, cucumber and mint raita, onion slices, and a fresh salad make great side dishes to complement the spiciness of the Tandoori chicken.
Conclusion
Indian Tandoori Chicken with Basmati Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Indian cuisine to your dinner table. The marinated and grilled or oven-baked chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with aromatic spices. Paired with fluffy Basmati rice, this dish is a complete meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a fan of grilling or prefer the oven method, the Tandoori chicken will undoubtedly be the star of your culinary adventure. Don’t forget to garnish with cilantro and serve with lemon wedges and onion slices for an authentic touch. Enjoy the exotic flavors and tantalize your taste buds with this classic Indian dish!
