Tandoori Chicken

Yummy!!!! well since my description of this recipe already began with the word yummy it must be easy to guess that this is my favorite dish. In fact it is the favorite dish for most of the meat lovers in India. Not that complicate to make if you know the right ingredients. Back in India this dish is made in the hot clay ovens. But, my halogen oven works just fine - of course you will miss out on the charred flavor that comes from the clay oven. I prefer to make this dish using chicken thighs but feel free to experiment with what ever you like. This dish definitely lights up your day - so best option would be to make it on a moody day :)) or if you are in the mood to get some compliments!!!. You can have it with rice or chapathi or normal toasted bread. We like to have it as a snack with some type of sauce [either tomato sauce or garlic sauce] on the side.

Ingredients:

Chicken thighs - 4 to 6

Onion - 1

Oil - 2 tbsp 

Salt - to taste

Chilli powder - to taste

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp 

Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp 

Lemon juice - 1/2 tbsp 

Tandoori masala - 2 to 3 tsp 

Yogurt - 1/2 cup

Cashew nut powder - 2 to 3 tbsp 

Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp  (optional)

Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp (optional)

Procedure:

1. Clean the chicken thighs. Make 1/4 inch slits on the meat. 
2. In a bowl add salt, chilli powder, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, tandoori masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, 1 tbsp oil, yogurt and mix well.
3. Add the chicken pieces from step 1 to the above and mix well. 
4. Let them sit for 10 mins. Add cashew nut powder and mix well.
5. Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 to 5 hours. I usually let it sit over night in the fridge. 
6. Just before baking add chopped onion to the marinate chicken and mix well.
7. Grease the backing pan slighlty and place the marinated chicken pieces on it. 
8. Carefully add few drops of oil on each piece. You can just sprinkle some chopped onion at this point [optional].
9. Bake them in a halogen on high for 7 to 10 mins. Turn on the other side and repeat the same for 7 to 10 mins.

Serve with some onions and lime wedges on the side!!!!!!