Tandoori Style Baked Chicken with Mint Yogurt Sauce: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a piece of perfectly cooked chicken that’s full of flavor, juicy, and tender, while still being slightly crispy on the outside. That’s what makes Tandoori Style Baked Chicken with Mint Yogurt Sauce such a winning dish. The mix of spices, the marinating time, and the baking process come together to create a meal that’s comforting, vibrant, and packed with unforgettable flavors.

This recipe doesn’t just give you a taste of India—it brings you a dish that’s rich in culture and tradition. Tandoori cooking is all about marinating meat in yogurt and spices and then cooking it in a tandoor (clay oven). But, we’re bringing that authentic experience to your kitchen with a simple oven-baking method. Plus, the mint yogurt sauce adds a cool, refreshing contrast that perfectly balances the heat of the marinade.

What’s more, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or someone just looking to spice up their weekly dinner routine, this Tandoori-style chicken will impress every time. It’s a meal that combines bold, complex flavors with ease of preparation—perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients for Tandoori Style Baked Chicken with Mint Yogurt Sauce

When preparing Tandoori Style Baked Chicken, you’ll be using ingredients that are both easily accessible and packed with flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need.

Tandoori Marinade Ingredients

The marinade is the star of this dish. It infuses the chicken with bold, aromatic spices that give it that signature Tandoori taste.

Ingredient	Amount
Plain Yogurt (full-fat)	1 1/2 cups
Vegetable Oil	2 tbsp
Lemon Juice	1 1/2 tbsp
Grated Ginger	2 tsp
Garlic (minced)	5 cloves
Garam Masala Spice Mix	3 tsp
Kashmiri Chili Powder	1 1/2 tbsp
Turmeric Powder	1 tsp
Ground Cumin	2 tsp
Ground Coriander	2 1/2 tsp
Chili Powder (to taste)	1/2 tsp
Salt	1 tsp

Chicken Ingredients

For this recipe, we’re using bone-in, skin-on chicken to retain moisture and add flavor. The meat becomes perfectly juicy while the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Ingredient	Amount
Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks	2 1/2 lbs

Mint Yogurt Sauce Ingredients (Optional)

This sauce adds an extra layer of coolness and zest, offering a great contrast to the spiced chicken.

Ingredient	Amount
Plain Yogurt	1 cup
Fresh Mint Leaves	1/2 cup
Salt and Pepper	To taste
Olive Oil	Drizzle to taste

For Serving

• Basmati rice or saffron rice, perfect for soaking up the delicious marinade and sauce.

How to Make Tandoori Style Baked Chicken with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Now that you’ve got all the ingredients in front of you, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by mixing together the yogurt, oil, lemon juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and all the spices (garam masala, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt). Whisk everything together until the marinade is smooth and well-blended. The yogurt serves as the base that helps tenderize the chicken, while the spices will give it a rich, complex flavor profile.

Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to coat the chicken. Place the chicken into a large bowl or zip-lock bag, and pour the marinade over it. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure that every piece of chicken is generously coated with the marinade. This is where the magic happens—let the chicken marinate for at least 12 hours, but for the best flavor, let it sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more the spices infuse the chicken, creating a depth of flavor you won’t get from a quick marinade.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). For a crispy, golden exterior, place a rack on top of a baking tray lined with aluminum foil. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, creating a crispier skin while also preventing any drips from making a mess in your oven.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

After the marinating time is complete, remove the chicken from the fridge. Shake off any excess marinade before placing the chicken pieces on the prepared rack. This helps the chicken cook evenly while avoiding a soggy texture.

Start by baking the chicken for 20 minutes. Once the first 20 minutes are up, take the chicken out and generously brush it with the reserved marinade. Return it to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. To ensure a perfectly crispy, charred exterior, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (220°C) for the final 10-15 minutes of baking. This high temperature will give the chicken that signature crispy finish and those golden, charred spots that make Tandoori chicken so irresistible.

Step 4: Make the Mint Yogurt Sauce (Optional)

While the chicken is baking, prepare the mint yogurt sauce. In a food processor, combine plain yogurt, fresh mint leaves, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until smooth. If you prefer a bit of extra richness, drizzle some olive oil into the mixture to taste. This sauce offers a creamy, cool contrast to the spicy chicken and is a refreshing complement to the flavors.

Step 5: Serve the Chicken

Once your chicken is perfectly baked, it’s time to serve. Arrange the Tandoori-style chicken on a platter and pair it with a side of fragrant basmati or saffron rice. Serve with the mint yogurt sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy this delicious, satisfying meal!

Tips for the Perfect Tandoori Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Tandoori-style chicken turns out perfectly every time:

1. Adjusting Spice Levels

Not everyone has the same tolerance for spice. If you prefer a milder version, feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and Kashmiri chili powder to your liking. These spices give the chicken a beautiful color and a bit of heat, but you can always tone it down or increase it to suit your taste.

2. Make the Marinade Ahead of Time

If you’re short on time, you can prepare the marinade in advance. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Marinating the chicken for a longer period gives the spices more time to infuse the meat, making the flavor even more intense.

3. Try Grilling for a Smokier Flavor

If you prefer a traditional tandoori experience, consider grilling the chicken instead of baking it. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, turning it halfway through. Grilling will add a smoky depth to the flavor, reminiscent of the traditional tandoor method.

Nutrition Facts for Tandoori Style Baked Chicken

When you enjoy a serving of Tandoori-style baked chicken, you’re not just indulging in a flavorful meal—you’re also nourishing your body with lean protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	600mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tandoori Style Baked Chicken

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs or Drumsticks?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks, but keep in mind that bone-in, skin-on pieces tend to remain juicier during the baking process. If using chicken breasts, consider marinating them for a slightly shorter time to avoid over-tenderizing them.

Can I Make This Dish Without the Mint Yogurt Sauce?

Of course! While the mint yogurt sauce adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken, the Tandoori-style chicken is flavorful enough to be enjoyed on its own. If you’re in a rush, you can skip the sauce and still enjoy a delicious meal.

How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 12 hours, but up to 24 hours is ideal. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more the spices penetrate the meat, resulting in a deeper, richer flavor.

Can I Cook Tandoori Chicken on a Grill?

Yes! If you have a grill, it’s a fantastic way to cook this dish. Grilling the chicken will impart a smoky flavor, which is typical of traditional tandoori cooking. Just make sure to keep the heat medium to avoid burning the marinade. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Delicious Tandoori Style Baked Chicken with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Tandoori Style Baked Chicken with Mint Yogurt Sauce is the perfect combination of bold spices, juicy chicken, and a refreshing yogurt sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, with the flexibility to adjust the spice levels and experiment with different side dishes, it’s a recipe you can make your own.

So, grab your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to experience a flavor-packed meal that will transport you to the heart of India with every bite. And don’t forget to share your experience—this dish is made to be enjoyed with loved ones!

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