Grilled Tandoori Chicken Pieces

Infused with bold, aromatic spices and smoky grill marks, Grilled Tandoori Chicken Pieces is a show-stopping recipe that's bursting with authentic Indian flavors. Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks are marinated in a creamy yogurt base spiced with tandoori masala, Kashmiri chili powder, and warming hints of cumin and coriander. The marinade penetrates deep into the meat thanks to carefully made slits, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory, with hints of citrusy lemon juice to brighten the profile. The chicken is grilled to perfection, achieving a lightly charred crust while staying juicy inside. Ready in under an hour of active cooking, this dish is perfect for backyard cookouts or any night when you crave something bold and satisfying. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skinless)
• 1 cup Plain yogurt (full-fat)
• 1 tablespoon Garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon Ginger paste
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Tandoori masala spice blend
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 4 pieces Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Clean the chicken pieces and make 2-3 deep slits on each piece to help the marinade penetrate.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, lemon juice, tandoori masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well to form a thick marinade.

Step 3

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring it gets into all the slits. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Ensure the chicken develops a nice char but does not burn; adjust the heat if necessary.

Step 6

Once cooked, remove the chicken pieces from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 7

Garnish the grilled tandoori chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1219.2 grams (1219.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1694

Total Fat 66.50g	85%
Saturated Fat 16.90g	85%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 782mg	261%
Sodium 5250mg	228%
Total Carbohydrate 49.70g	18%
Dietary Fiber 8.00g	29%
Total Sugars 13.60g
Protein 206.60g	413%

Vitamin D 95IU	476%
Calcium 499mg	38%
Iron 12mg	69%
Potassium 2799mg	60%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.9%

Protein: 50.9%

Carbs: 12.2%