Savor the essence of Indian flavors with this Grilled Tandoori Chicken, a dish bursting with aromatic spices and tender, juicy chicken marinated in a creamy, spiced yogurt blend. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this tandoori-inspired recipe is easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with everyone. Paired with a cooling yogurt dip, it adds a delicious balance that enhances every bite. This homemade grilled version brings the taste of the tandoor to your grill, no clay oven required!
Ingredients:
Chicken & Marinade
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (0% fat)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 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)
- 1 to 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (breast tenders recommended for quick cooking)
Dipping Sauce (optional)
- ⅔ cup Greek yogurt (0% fat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely minced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, coriander, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a large bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is charred and cooked through.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with the yogurt dipping sauce on the side.
Conclusion:
This Grilled Tandoori Chicken recipe is your gateway to a delightful combination of smoky, spicy flavors right off your grill. The spices in the marinade create a wonderful crust, while the yogurt keeps the chicken moist and tender. With an optional creamy yogurt dipping sauce to balance the spices, it’s the perfect addition to your meal rotation. Serve it alongside fresh naan, a cucumber salad, or basmati rice for a complete, satisfying experience.
Succulent Grilled Tandoori Chicken with Refreshing Yogurt Dip
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- ½ cup Greek yogurt 0% fat
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 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
- 1 to 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (breast tenders recommended for quick cooking)
Dipping Sauce
- ⅔ cup Greek yogurt 0% fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro finely minced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, coriander, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a large bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is charred and cooked through.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with the yogurt dipping sauce on the side.