Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken with Baked Potatoes – A Flavorful Delight

Total preparation time: 4 hours 30 minutes (of which 4 hours marinating)
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Discover the magic of Eastern flavors with this delicious Tandoori Chicken recipe! This classic dish is renowned for its irresistible combination of spices and yogurt, which transforms the juicy meat into a true explosion of flavors. Although its origins are deeply rooted in ancestral traditions, today I invite you to prepare it at home, in your own kitchen, and delight the taste buds of your loved ones.

Essential ingredients:

- 4 chicken thighs (skinless, approximately 800 g)
- 250 ml natural yogurt (Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons hot paprika (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2-3 drops of red food coloring (optional, for a vibrant hue)
- 50 g butter (for a rich flavor)
- 700 g potatoes (peeled and sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tomatoes and fresh parsley leaves for garnish

Step by Step – Your Culinary Guide

1. Preparing the chicken thighs:
Start by washing the chicken thighs well. Use paper towels to dry them, ensuring they are completely dry. This step is essential for the marinade to adhere well to the meat.

2. Making the slits:
Make 2-3 shallow slits on each thigh, about 1 cm deep. This not only helps the marinade penetrate better but also gives an attractive appearance after cooking.

3. Preparing the marinade:
In a large bowl, add the yogurt, ginger, garlic, hot paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and food coloring (if you choose to use it). Mix the ingredients well until you have a homogeneous and vibrant composition.

4. Marinating the thighs:
Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade, ensuring it gets into the slits. Place the thighs in a bowl, add the remaining marinade, and cover with plastic wrap. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours (ideally overnight to intensify the flavors).

5. Preparing the potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a baking tray lined with parchment paper, add the potato slices, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and brush with a little butter. This step will ensure the potatoes have a crispy texture and a savory flavor.

6. Arranging the thighs:
In the center of the potatoes, place the marinated chicken thighs and a few tablespoons of the remaining marinade. Garnish with tomato slices and fresh parsley leaves for a vibrant look.

7. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the potatoes become golden and crispy. A useful tip is to turn the thighs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

8. Serving:
Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted peppers for a perfect contrast of flavors and textures.

A Few Practical Tips

- Choosing the meat: Opt for bone-in chicken thighs, as they are juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts.
- Types of yogurt: You can also experiment with Greek yogurt, which adds extra creaminess to the dish.
- Spices: Spices are key to the tandoori dish. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your personal taste.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu or vegetables like cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian variant.

Nutrition and Calories

A serving of Tandoori Chicken with baked potatoes has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of butter used and the sides. This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, and the yogurt provides a significant amount of probiotics, beneficial for digestion. The spices used, such as ginger and garlic, are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey thighs or even fish, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

- How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.

- What side dishes pair well?
This recipe pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or a fragrant pilaf, as well as fresh salads.

So now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to get cooking! Tandoori Chicken is a simple recipe but with a remarkable impact, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy your meal!