Today’s Recipe is indeed a culinary masterpiece that has its roots deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of South Asia. Smoked Chicken Tandoori it is! Known for its tantalizing aroma and rich flavors this recipe is a complete culinary experience that has become a staple around the world.
This Smoked Chicken Tandoori is a perfect blend of marinated chicken that is cooked with a smoky finish creating an entire dinning experience. In this Blog post I am bringing this experience into your kitchen but with a Twist! Yes, you heard it right!
Imagine yourself enjoying this mouthwatering Tandoori Chicken with perfect smoky flavor without even firing up a grill or a smoker. Sounds great, right? And there is no compromise on taste, for sure! By using simple ingredients and easy smoking technique we are going to enjoy the authentic taste without the need for grilling or an oven.
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Smoked Tandoori Chicken Recipe Without Grill!
Today I am not going to use traditional grilling method to make this Smoked Chicken Tandoori recipe but still I make sure to deliver all the authentic flavors you crave. I will be using simple everyday kitchen tools and technique to create that delicious tandoori taste. This Smoked Chicken Tandoori is just perfect dish to feed the crowd and impress your friends and family without too much hassle.
Let’s dive into this recipe, where juicy chicken is marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, cooked in pan and finally infused with smoky twist, all from the comfort of your kitchen. If you don’t have a grill, no worries! You are just at the right place because this recipe is your answer to making tempting tandoori chicken right in your kitchen using just a stovetop pan and a piece of charcoal for that perfect smoky finish.
Why Everyone Love Smoked Chicken Tandoori!
Smoked Chicken Tandoori is a dish treasured by food lovers across the globe, exceeding cultural boundaries. This recipe creates a culinary experience that is both comforting and exciting at the same time through its tempting blend of spices with tender, smoky and aromatic chicken.
- This recipe is everyone’s favorite not only because of its rich flavor but also because of the happiness and joy it brings to the dining table. So, let’s talk a bit about why this recipe is loved by everyone.
- Yogurt, ginger-garlic paste with a blend of aromatic spices makes a perfect and rich in flavor marinade in which tender and juicy chicken is infused. The combination of ingredients used in this marinade are creates a traditional tandoori flavor that everyone loves.
- By using charcoal for smoking the chicken, we can easily achieve restaurant-quality flavor that actually replicates the authentic tandoor or grill cooking method without even needing any specialized equipment. This smoking process results in rich flavor profile that no one can resist, while making each bite aromatic and satisfying.
- For a lot of people this tandoori chicken brings back memories of family gatherings and cultural celebrations and also brings people together.
- The ingredients used in this recipe not only enhance the flavor but also make this a healthier option compared to many fried alternatives. A very little amount of oil is typically used making it a perfect healthy high-protein meal options for looking for lighter meal choices without sacrificing taste.
- You can easily customize spice levels or add herbs of your choice to give this recipe a personal touch making it adaptable to various palates. This flexibility ensures that everyone can enjoy their version of Smoked Chicken Tandoori.
Ingredients for Making Smoked Tandoori Chicken
To create a signature taste of Smoked Tandoori Chicken, a variety of ingredients are needed where each one of them plays a crucial role in creating a perfectly balanced flavors and textures. Before moving on to the steps of making this delicious Smoked Tandoori Chicken let’s first talk about all the ingredients that you will need to make this recipe. For exact measurements please jump to the recipe card down below.
- Every recipe has a star ingredient and in this case it’s Chicken that is a primary protein source in this recipe. It is preferred to use thighs, drumsticks or whole leg piece like I have used in my recipe. These cuts are usually used because they are juicy, tender and can easily absorb flavors from the marinade.
- Yogurt is used as the base ingredient of the marinade that helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down the meat fibers and also adds creaminess.
- The blend of Ginger-Garlic Paste is used to add aroma, depth and flavor to the marinade where garlic adds strong flavor while ginger complements warmth of this chicken tandoori.
- A flavorful blend of spices, Tandoori Masala is used for the marinade to give that original tandoori flavor to this dish. You can either use it as a dry rub or mix into marinade to enhance the taste. I usually mix tandoori masala into the marinade. I use store-bought tandoori masala but you can also make this blend at home.
- You can also add extra salt and paprika powder to further enhance the flavor. I usually add just salt in addition to tandoori masala.
- Very less amount of oil (vegetable oil or olive oil) is added when the chicken is almost cooked in the pan to give that gloss and texture to the chicken. Also a few drop of oil is used for smoking as well. Some people add oil in the marinade but I add oil at the end.
- Another key ingredient of marinade is lemon juice that adds a tangy flavor to this smoked chicken tandoori by complementing the rich spices in the tandoori marinade. Lemon juice also acts as natural meat tenderizer resulting in more tender and juicy tandoori chicken.
- Last but not the least, the ingredient that provides flavor which is hallmark of the traditional smoked tandoori chicken is Charcoal. It is used to create that typical smoky flavor that gets infused in the chicken, replicating the traditional rich flavor of smoked Chicken Tandoori.
- A pinch of red food color (optional Ingredient) can be used in the marinade just to add visual appeal but it is not necessary.
How to Make Smoked Chicken Tandoori
After discussing about all the ingredients in details that are used to make smoked tandoori chicken and understanding their role in creating perfect flavor, it’s time to move forward and talk about the step-by-step instructions on how to make smoked chicken tandoori.
These steps will guide you through the entire process from making flavorful marinade till achieving that authentic smoky flavor. If you want your tandoori chicken turns out tender and flavorful, please follow all the steps. So without any further ado let’s get started.
Chicken Prep
- Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold water to ensure it is all clean.
- Pat them dry. It is important to dry the chicken pieces so that the marinade adheres well.
- With the help of a sharp knife make about an inch slits on both sides of each piece. This step helps the marinade penetrate deep inside all the pieces to get the most juiciest and flavorful chicken tandoori.
Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, add yogurt and whisk it to remove any lumps and make sure that yogurt is thick and smooth.
- Now add ginger-garlic paste and mix well until combined.
- Next step is to add lemon juice, tandoori masala and salt as per taste. Mix all the ingredients well to make thick paste like marinade. You can add food color at this point.
Marinate the Chicken
- Now add all the chicken pieces one by one in the marinade and coat all the pieces completely with the help of a spatula.
- You can also use hands to massage all the marinade well over all the pieces. Make sure to rub the marinade inside the slits you made in chicken pieces to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap or a lid.
- Now refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 3 to 4 hours. For the best results it is recommended to refrigerate overnight so that the maximum flavors are infused in the chicken.
Pan-Cook the Chicken
- Once the chicken is marinated well, it is time to cook them. Take a thick-bottom skillet or pan and heat the pan on medium heat. Now add chicken pieces one by one in a pan but do not over crowd the pan. Cook in batches and add three pieces at a time.
- Now let the chicken cook on low flame for about 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure you turn them occasionally with the help of a tongs or spatula.
- Once the water is almost dried and chicken is cooked 80 percent, its time to add two table spoons of oil and let the chicken cook for another 5 to 10 minutes on medium to high flame.
- Cook the chicken until it is tender and golden brown in color.
Smoking the Chicken
- When the chicken is almost done or nearly cooked, start preparing charcoal to give this tandoori chicken that smoky magic.
- Take a small piece of charcoal and light it either on a stove top or by using any other lighter. Light it for about 5 to 10 minutes until it is red and hot.
- Now the chicken is almost cooked, place a piece of aluminum foil inside the skillet and place the lighted piece of charcoal on the aluminum foil. Use tongs to handle hot charcoal safely.
- Drizzle a few drops of oil over the hot lighted charcoal that will immediately create smoke inside the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid to ensure that smoky flavor is infused well in the chicken.
- Make sure the lid is tight so that all the smoke is fully trapped inside. Turn the flame off and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so that the smoky aroma is permeated through the tandoori chicken completely.
Serve
- After sometime remove the lid and dish out smoked chicken tandoori in a serving dish with the help of a tong.
- Serve hot with fries, sautéed vegetables or mint chutney. Today, I have served this with sautéed vegetables to make it even healthier meal.
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Smoked Chicken Tandoori
There are a few tips and techniques that I recommend you all to follow in order to make the perfect version of Smoked Chicken Tandoori.
- For the best results, refrigerate the marinated chicken overnight.
- Use high quality yogurt that is thick enough to adhere well to the chicken.
- While preparing the chicken, make sure that the slits you are making are deep enough to allow marinade absorbs completely inside.
- Another important thing that you should keep in mind is that always cook tandoori chicken on low to medium heat to avoid over cooking. Also flip the chicken occasionally during cooking to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly.
Conclusion:
Cooking Smoked Chicken Tandoori at home is completely a delightful and rewarding culinary experience that actually brings the rich flavors of South Asian Cuisine to your table. Smoked Chicken Tandoori is a dish that is tender, juicy and rich in flavors.
This recipe will help you achieve restaurant-style flavors in your tandoori chicken that you are making at home that too with simple ingredients, available in every household. You can serve this dish with a variety of side dishes like salads, sautéed vegetables, mint chutney or even fries.
So what are you waiting for! Get you cooking stations ready and let’s embark on this flavorful journey of making delicious Smoked Chicken Tandoori. It is going to be a treat for your taste buds! Enjoy this homemade Smoked Chicken Tandoori and do let me know in comments about your experience.
You can also check out other delicious recipes that are quick and easy to make, like Easy to make Beef Quesadilla Recipe for Lunch. Also check out The Best Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie Recipe.
No Grill Smoked Chicken Tandoori Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs. Chicken Leg Piece Whole
- 1 Cup Yogurt
- 2 Tbsp. Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
- 2 Tbsp. Oil
- As Needed Salt
- 1 Small Piece Charcoal
Instructions
Chicken Prep
- Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold water to ensure it is all clean. Pat them dry with paper towel.
- Make about an inch slits on both sides of each piece with knife that helps the marinade penetrate deep inside all the pieces to get the most juiciest and flavorful chicken tandoori.
Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, add yogurt and whisk it to remove any lumps.
- Now add ginger-garlic paste and mix well until combined.
- Add lemon juice, tandoori masala and salt as per taste. Mix all the ingredients well to make thick paste like marinade. You can add food color at this point.
Marinate the Chicken
- Add all the chicken pieces one by one in the marinade and coat all the pieces completely with the help of a spatula or hand.
- Massage all the marinade well over all the pieces and make sure to rub the marinade inside the slits you made in chicken pieces to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap or a lid and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 3 to 4 hours.
Pan-Cook the Chicken
- Take a thick-bottom skillet or pan, heat the pan on medium heat and add chicken pieces one by one in a pan but do not over crowd the pan.
- Let the chicken cook on low flame for about 25 to 30 minutes, while flipping them occasionally with the help of a tongs or spatula.
- When the water is almost dried and chicken is cooked 80 percent, add two tablespoons of oil and let the chicken cook for another 5 to 10 minutes on medium to high flame.
- Cook the chicken until it is tender and golden brown in color.
Smoking the Chicken
- Take a small piece of charcoal and light it either on a stove top or by using any other lighter. Light it for about 5 to 10 minutes until it is red and hot.
- Place a piece of aluminum foil inside the skillet and place the lighted piece of charcoal on the aluminum foil. Use tongs to handle hot charcoal safely.
- Drizzle a few drops of oil over the hot lighted charcoal that will immediately create smoke inside the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid to ensure that smoky flavor is infused well in the chicken.
- Make sure the lid is tight so that all the smoke is fully trapped inside. Turn the flame off and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so that the smoky aroma is permeated through the tandoori chicken completely.
Serve
- Serve hot with fries, sautéed vegetables or mint chutney. Today, I have served this with sautéed vegetables to make it even healthier meal.
