Go Back
+ servings
Easy Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks

Easy Tandoori Chicken

Camila Benitez
Tandoori Chicken is a classic Indian dish known for its bold and vibrant flavors. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, ginger, garlic, and yogurt, the chicken is baked in the oven until tender and juicy. The result is a deliciously spicy and savory dish that's perfect for any occasion.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

For the Cucumber, Mint, and Basil Raita:

  • 16 ounces plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium seedless cucumber , peeled and finely diced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 clove of garlic , minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt , to taste

Instructions
 

  • For the Cucumber, Mint, and Basil Raita: Combine the yogurt, cucumber, basil, mint, cilantro, honey, cumin, garlic, and salt in a food processor and pulse just enough to break down the cucumber and herbs slightly (the raita should still have texture). Do not over mix, or the raita will become too runny. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to come together and for the raita to firm and settle.

For the Tandoori Chicken:

  • In a small pan over medium-low heat, combine the paprika, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook, frequently stirring, for about 2 minutes, until spices are fragrant.
  • Add the spices to a food processor, along with the ginger, garlic, onion powder, Greek yogurt, lime, zest and juice, oil, and salt; process until smooth.
  • With a fork, prick holes in the chicken pieces. Using a knife, cut diagonal slices 1-inch apart. Place the chicken in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and toss to coat evenly, cover tightly with plastic wrap, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, and up to 24 hours, tossing occasionally.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 °F. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil (for easy clean-up) and set an oven-proof rack over the top. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray or grease with canola oil.
  • Arrange the chicken on the rack, leaving a bit of space between the pieces. Spoon any marinade left evenly over the drumsticks. Roast for 45 minutes, turning once midway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  • Turn on the broiler and broil the chicken about 6 inches from the heat for 3-5 minutes, until lightly charred and crisp all over. Serve the Tandoori Chicken with rice, salad, naan bread, and raita on the side for a delicious Indian feast. Enjoy our Tandoori Chicken.

Notes

How to Store & Re-Heat
  • To store: Place Any leftover Tandoori Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat: Place the Tandoori Chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel for reheating. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until the chicken is heated. When reheating on the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil or chicken broth to the skillet and add the Tandoori Chicken. Cook, occasionally stirring, for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
Make-Ahead
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container or a ziplock bag. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the marinade flavors and become more tender. You can pre-cook the chicken in the oven for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F until it is partially cooked. This will help speed up the cooking time on the day of serving and allow you to cook the chicken to the desired level of doneness.
How to Freeze
To freeze Tandoori Chicken, let it cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the chicken to an airtight container or a freezer-safe ziplock bag, leaving space at the top for expansion. Place the container or bag in the freezer and store it flat and stable. When you're ready to eat the Tandoori Chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw the chicken at room temperature or in warm water, as this can lead to bacterial growth. Once thawed, reheat the chicken using an oven, microwave, or stovetop, making sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Tandoori Chicken
Amount per Serving
Calories
339
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
19
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
 
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
9
g
Cholesterol
 
129
mg
43
%
Sodium
 
981
mg
43
%
Potassium
 
527
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
 
10
g
3
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
5
g
6
%
Protein
 
31
g
62
%
Vitamin A
 
593
IU
12
%
Vitamin C
 
6
mg
7
%
Calcium
 
111
mg
11
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

Did you Like the Recipe?We would appreciate it if you could rate it. Also, make sure to check out our Youtube Channel for more great recipes. Please share it on social media and tag us so we can see your delicious creations. Thank you!