Gujranwala Tandoori Chicken Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful chicken dishes, then you absolutely must try the mouthwatering Gujranwala Tandoori Chicken recipe!  This delicious dish is marinated in a yogurt-based mixture and seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices that include cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The chicken is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor that is simply irresistible. 

However, even if you don’t have access to a tandoor, you can still enjoy this amazing dish by cooking it in your oven or on your grill. Once you take a bite of this succulent chicken, you’ll be transported to a world of exotic flavors and textures. So, what are you waiting for? let’s get started.

Ingredients for Making Gujranwala Tandoori Chicken Recipe:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 4-5 chicken drumsticks or thighs

Instructions for Making Gujranwala Tandoori Recipe:

Step 1:

Take a large bowl, mix the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt until you get a smooth marinade.

Step 2:

Next, take the chicken pieces and make shallow cuts on the surface of the meat to allow the marinade to penetrate better. Then, coat the chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring that each piece gets coated well to maximize the flavor. Moreover, you can marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours or even overnight to allow the flavors to blend and the chicken to become tender.

Step 3:

To start with, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a grill, you can also use it to achieve an authentic smoky flavor. To prepare the baking tray, lightly apply some cooking oil or cooking spray. Then, place the marinated chicken pieces on the tray, ensuring some space between them. If you prefer, you can also use a wire rack to keep the chicken elevated, which will help to ensure even cooking.

Step 4:

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is cooked through and has charred spots. If you’re using a grill, cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. 

Step 5:

After cooking, take the tandoori chicken out of the oven or grill and let it sit for a minute or two.This will help settle the juices and ensure that the chicken is tender and juicy.

Step 6:

Finally, you can garnish the tandoori chicken with fresh coriander leaves and serve with sliced onions and lemon wedges on the side. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with naan bread or rice.

Enjoy your homemade tandoori chicken!

Some Handful Tips:

• You can enhance the smoky flavor of the tandoori chicken by adding a piece of charcoal to the baking tray and drizzling some oil over it. Once the charcoal is hot and smoking, cover the tray with foil to infuse the chicken with a charred aroma.

• Consider adding a pinch of chaat masala over the tandoori chicken before serving. Serve the tandoori chicken with naan bread, mint chutney, and a refreshing salad. 

Now that you have the key ingredients and steps in hand, it’s time to let’s get started. 

Also, check out the Kashmiri Green Tea recipe.