# 7 Simple Steps to Make Delicious Tandoori Chicken at Home on Gas
Tandoori chicken, a classic Indian dish known for its smoky flavor and vibrant color, is a favorite for many. While traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a clay oven), you can easily replicate this delicious dish at home using a gas stove. This article will guide you through a comprehensive list of ingredients and steps to make the perfect tandoori chicken, along with helpful tips and FAQs to enhance your cooking experience.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cut into pieces) | 1 kg |
| Yogurt | 1 cup |
| Tandoori masala | 2 tablespoons |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | to taste |
| Red chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Cilantro (for garnish) | as needed |
Preparing the Chicken
To make tandoori chicken, start by cleaning the chicken pieces thoroughly and patting them dry with a paper towel. Make deep slashes on the chicken pieces to allow the marinade to penetrate better. This step is crucial as it ensures that the flavors infuse deeply into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Making the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, vegetable oil, salt, and red chili powder. Mix these ingredients well to create a smooth marinade. The yogurt acts as a tenderizer, while the spices add a rich flavor and beautiful color to the chicken.
Marinating the Chicken
Once the marinade is ready, add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the mixture. Ensure that the marinade gets into the slashes you made earlier. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Marinating is a crucial step that enhances the taste and texture of the chicken.
Preparing for Cooking
After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the chicken to cook evenly. While the chicken is resting, prepare your gas stove for cooking. If you have a grill pan, it can be used for a more authentic taste. Otherwise, a regular frying pan will work just fine.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat your gas stove on medium-high heat and add a little oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid burning. You can baste the chicken with leftover marinade for added flavor.
Garnishing and Serving
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender. Garnish the tandoori chicken with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges, onion rings, and your favorite dipping sauce. Tandoori chicken pairs wonderfully with naan, rice, or a fresh salad.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken for tandoori chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken for tandoori chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as boneless pieces will cook faster than bone-in pieces.
What if I don’t have tandoori masala?
If you don’t have tandoori masala, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts of garam masala, cumin, coriander, and paprika, along with some cayenne pepper for heat.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight is ideal for maximum flavor, a minimum of 2 hours is necessary to allow the spices to infuse the chicken adequately.
Can I make tandoori chicken in the oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the marinated chicken for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
What sides go well with tandoori chicken?
Tandoori chicken pairs well with various sides such as naan, rice, cucumber salad, mint chutney, or raita.
References:
– [USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/)
– [National Center for Home Food Preservation](https://nchfp.uga.edu/)