Tandoori chicken is synonymous with Indian cooking, a universally loved and enjoyed roasted chicken! Tandoori chicken also forms the basis of many Indian gravy dishes like, Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka masala, Chicken boti kababs. Try this 5 star quality tandoori recipe, which may seem overwhelming but is really quite simple. Roast in an oven or charcoal grill or BBQ on an electric grill. You may also roast on a pan on the stove top, but with this method the chicken tends to leave water while roasting, resulting in loosing some of the flavors of the marinade. But still possible to make tandoori chicken without an oven! Substitute the saffron with turmeric if not available and avoid the orange color if you must! I have not used butter to baste the chicken but does add more flavor and taste.

Ingredients

• 1 Medium chicken

First Marinade

• Salt
• 1 tsp red chillie powder or to taste
• 2 tbs. lemon juice
• Butter for basting

Second Marinade

• 3 tsp. yogurt
• 3 1/2 tsp. cream
• 3 tsp. ginger garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp. cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp. saffron
• 2-3 drops orange color

1. Remove skin, clean and wash chicken.  Make two to three deep incsions each on the breasts, legs and thighs and marinate with salt, chilli powder and lemon juice. Keep aside for 15 minutes.
2. Whisk yoghurt in a large bowl, add the remaining ingredients and mix well.  Rub the chicken with this mixture.  Keep aside for four hours or overnight if desired.
3. Preheat oven to 350deg F. Skewer the chicken and keep a tray underneath to collect the drippings or roast in a hot tandoor or pre-heated oven till the moisture evaporates and it starts leaving oil. Baste with butter, if required.
4. .Cut the tandoori chicken into desired sized pieces and serve with sliced onion, lemon, green salad and naan or any bread of your choice.