Tandoori chicken

What is Tandoori chicken?

Tandoori chicken is made by soaking chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt and a blend of spices, then roasting them over intense heat in a tandoor, which is a tall clay oven. The marinade often includes red chilli powder, cayenne, turmeric, and sometimes food coloring, giving the chicken a vivid red or orange hue. The outside develops a slightly charred crust, while the inside stays juicy. The result is a smoky, spicy dish with a tangy note from the yogurt.

Where does Tandoori chicken come from?

Cooking meat in clay ovens dates back to the Harappan civilization in the Indian subcontinent, with records as early as 3000 BC. The version known today as tandoori chicken was developed in Punjab before India’s independence and became widely known after the founders of Moti Mahal restaurant in New Delhi began serving it in the late 1940s. The restaurant’s founders, who migrated from Peshawar, helped make it a favorite at official banquets and among the public.

How is Tandoori chicken made?

To prepare tandoori chicken, raw chicken is first skinned and cut, then marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices called tandoori masala. The chicken is colored and flavored with red chilli powders, cayenne, and turmeric. After marinating, the pieces are threaded onto skewers and roasted in a tandoor, which is heated with wood or charcoal. The high heat cooks the chicken quickly and gives it a smoky flavor. It can also be made in a regular oven or over a grill.

How and when is Tandoori chicken eaten?

Tandoori chicken is served hot, often as a starter or a main course. It is commonly paired with naan, a type of flatbread, and sometimes forms the base for other dishes like butter chicken. The dish is enjoyed at both everyday meals and special gatherings, and is a staple in Indian restaurants around the world. It can be eaten on its own or with accompaniments like onions, lemon wedges, and chutneys.

Kinds of Tandoori chicken

There are several versions of tandoori chicken, including whole roasted birds and stuffed preparations. Dishes such as chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala trace their roots to tandoori chicken. The basic method—marinating in yogurt and spices—remains the same, but the spices and cooking techniques may vary. Some recipes use different cuts of chicken or add nuts and other flavorings.

What Tandoori chicken means

Tandoori chicken is closely linked to Punjabi cuisine and is a symbol of Indian culinary tradition. Its popularity soared after being served to India’s first prime minister and at state banquets. The dish has inspired many other recipes and is now a familiar offering in Indian restaurants globally. Its preparation in a tandoor is seen as a hallmark of North Indian cooking.

Questions people ask about Tandoori chicken

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Motimahal celebrates Kabab festivalThe Indian Express, Article
• Punjab on a platterHindustan Times, Article

• Tandoori chicken on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data