Easy Tandoori Chicken Without Oven

The Origins of Tandoori Chicken- A Flavorful Delight.

The Origins of Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. It is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven that reaches high temperatures, allowing the chicken to become incredibly juicy while developing a smoky, charred flavor.

The dish is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and herbs before being cooked, which infuses the meat with vibrant flavors.

The origins of Tandoori chicken can be traced back to North India, particularly the Punjab region, where it was first popularized in the 1940s. It is believed that a chef named Kundan Lal Gujral invented the dish at his restaurant, Moti Mahal in Delhi, India. The story goes that he used a clay oven (tandoor) to cook chicken, which turned out to be so tender and flavorful that it quickly became a national favorite.

While Tandoori chicken is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, it is possible to replicate the dish at home without one! In fact, you don’t need an oven to make easy Tandoori chicken—this recipe can be prepared using a stovetop or grill, still delivering the same vibrant, delicious flavors. Let’s dive into how you can make this easy Tandoori Chicken without an oven at home!

Easy Tandoori Chicken Without Oven Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

1 kg chicken (preferably bone-in pieces, like legs or thighs)
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or mustard)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (finely chopped, optional)

For Cooking:

2 tablespoons oil or ghee (for frying or grilling)
Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, paprika, and salt).

Add oil to the marinade and mix everything well to form a thick, smooth paste.

Make slashes on the chicken pieces so the marinade can penetrate the meat better.

Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-covered.

Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Tandoori Chicken (Without Oven)

Option 1: Stovetop Method (Griddle or Non-Stick Pan)

Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil or ghee.

Once hot, place the marinated chicken pieces onto the pan.

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, turning occasionally to avoid burning, until it’s fully cooked and has a charred, golden-brown color on the outside.

If the chicken is not fully cooked through, cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook for another 5-10 minutes over low heat until tender.

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped cilantro before serving.

Option 2: Grilling Method

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Brush the grill grate with some oil to prevent sticking.

Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until they are nicely charred and cooked through.

If using charcoal, the smoky flavor will enhance the authentic taste of Tandoori chicken.

Garnish with lemon wedges and cilantro.

Final Thoughts

Tandoori chicken is an explosion of flavor with its spicy marinade and smoky, charred exterior, making it one of the most popular dishes in Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

The traditional method of cooking in a tandoor gives it a unique taste, but this easy stovetop or grill method ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish at home without needing special equipment.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply craving a flavorful treat, this recipe will bring the taste of Tandoori chicken to your kitchen in no time!

Have you ever made Tandoori chicken at home? Let us know how your version turned out in the comments below! 🍗🔥

If you want to see how this recipe is done, just check our YouTube channel and this dish video is Easy Tandoori Chicken without oven.