Tandoori Masala Chicken (Classic Restaurant Style)

Key Products @ Picante Tandoori Masala @ Picante Paprika Powder @ Picante Smoked Paprika Powder @ Picante Chilli & Lime Seasoning

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):

🍗 Chicken:

  • 800g chicken (legs, thighs, or whole cut into 4 pieces)
  • 1 tsp salt

🌶 Marinade:

  • 1 cup thick yogurt (hung curd)
  • 4 tbsp Picante Tandoori Masala
  • 1 tsp Picante Paprika Powder (for color)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp mustard oil (authentic aroma)
  • 1 tbsp Picante Chilli & Lime Seasoning

🧈 For Basting:

  • 1–2 tbsp melted butter

1️⃣ First Marination

  • Make deep cuts on chicken pieces.
  • Rub with salt and lemon juice.
  • Rest 20 minutes.

2️⃣ Second Marination

  • Mix yogurt, Picante Tandoori Masala, Picante Paprika Powder, Spices, Mustard Oil, Ginger-Garlic paste, Picante Chilli & Lime Seasoning.
  • Coat chicken thoroughly.
  • Marinate minimum 4 hours (best overnight in refrigerator).

🔥 Cooking Methods:

🥵 Oven Method:

  • Preheat oven to 220°C.
  • Place chicken on rack over tray.
  • Bake 30–35 minutes.
  • Brush with butter halfway.
  • Broil last 5 minutes for char.

🍢 Grill / BBQ:

  • Grill on medium heat 25–30 minutes.
  • Turn occasionally and baste with butter.

🍳 Pan Method:

  • Cook covered 20–25 minutes on medium heat.
  • Finish uncovered for slight char.

🌫 Optional Smoky Dhungar Method:

  1. Heat charcoal until red hot.
  2. Place a small steel bowl in the cooked chicken tray.
  3. Put hot charcoal inside.
  4. Add 1 tsp ghee over charcoal.
  5. Cover tightly for 3–5 minutes.

This gives authentic tandoor-style smokiness.

🌟 Pro Tips:

  • Use Picante Paprika Powder for vibrant red color without extra heat.
  • Add 1 tbsp cream for richer restaurant finish.
  • Rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier texture.

🍽 Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with mint chutney & onion rings.
  • Pair with naan, lachha paratha, or jeera rice.
  • Sprinkle Picante Chaat Masala and fresh coriander before serving.