Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Grilled Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish inspired by traditional Indian cuisine. Marinated in a blend of Greek yogurt and spices like garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cumin, the chicken absorbs a rich, tangy flavor profile that is both spicy and savory. This recipe is ideal for grilling, giving the chicken a delightful char and smoky aroma.

Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade:

• ½ cup (5 ounces) Greek yogurt (use 0% fat for a lighter option)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional and to taste
• 1 to 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (breast tenders cook quickly and save time)

Dipping Sauce (optional):

• 2/3 cup (6 ounces) Greek yogurt (use 0% fat for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely minced for garnishing, optional

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a gallon-sized zip-top bag, combine all marinade ingredients.
2. Seal the bag and squish it to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate overnight.

Grill the Chicken:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Use tongs to remove the chicken from the marinade, placing it directly onto the grill. Discard the remaining marinade.
3. Grill the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Breast tenders will take approximately 8 minutes total; larger breasts will require more time.
4. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Make the Dipping Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients except the cilantro.
2. Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more salt, pepper, oil, or honey if needed.
3. Optionally, garnish the chicken with cilantro before serving with the dipping sauce on the side.

Description and Tips

Tips for Perfect Tandoori Chicken:

• Marination: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The yogurt helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy and flavorful.
• Grill Heat: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Ensure it’s hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear.
• Cooking Time: Breast tenders cook quickly, in about 8 minutes. Adjust the grilling time if using larger chicken breasts.
• Resting: Allow the chicken to rest after grilling. This helps retain the juices, making the chicken more succulent.
• Dipping Sauce: The optional yogurt-based dipping sauce adds a cooling contrast to the spiced chicken. Adjust the sweetness and seasoning to your preference.

Serve this dish with a side of naan, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The combination of smoky, spicy chicken and a tangy dipping sauce will surely impress at any BBQ or family dinner. Enjoy!