Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken - a delicious and popular dish found in many Indian restaurants in the USA!

Let's dive into the world of tandoori chicken and explore its origins, preparation, and what makes it so mouth-wateringly amazing.

What is tandoori chicken?

Tandoori chicken is a classic North Indian dish made by marinating chicken in a blend of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, then roasting it in a clay oven called a tandoor. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken dish that's both aromatic and visually appealing.

Origins

Tandoori chicken originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, where tandoors have been used for centuries to cook a variety of dishes. The word "tandoor" comes from the Persian word "tannur," meaning "clay oven." The dish gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s in India, particularly in the city of Delhi, where it was served at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant.

Preparation

The preparation of tandoori chicken involves several steps:

1. Marination: A mixture of spices, yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and other spices is applied to the chicken, which is usually boneless and skinless.

2. Marinating time: The chicken is left to marinate for several hours or overnight to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.

3. Tandoor preparation: The tandoor is heated to a high temperature (around 400°F). The marinated chicken is then placed in the tandoor, where it's cooked for around 10-15 minutes or until it's cooked through.

4. Finishing touches: The cooked chicken is usually served with a side of basmati rice, naan bread, and a dollop of cucumber raita (a yogurt-based side dish).

Flavors and textures

Tandoori chicken is known for its:

Where to find it in the USA

You can find tandoori chicken on the menus of many Indian restaurants across the USA. Some popular chains include:

Tips for ordering

Now, go ahead and give tandoori chicken a try! Your taste buds will thank you