Ava Everhart Tandoori chicken is one of the most loved grilled chicken dishes across South Asia and beyond. During Ramadan, it becomes even more special—served at Iftar as a protein-rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal that restores energy after a long fast.
This special Ramadan tandoori chicken recipe focuses on juiciness, gentle spices, proper marination, and authentic smokiness, making it ideal for fasting days. Whether you cook it in the oven, air fryer, pan, or grill, this recipe delivers restaurant-style results at home.
Why Tandoori Chicken Is Ideal for Ramadan Iftar
- High protein helps restore strength after fasting
- Less oil compared to fried snacks
- Can be prepared ahead of time
- Pairs well with rice, roti, salads, and chutneys
- Suitable for family Iftar platters and guests
A well-marinated tandoori chicken meal keeps you full without feeling heavy—exactly what is needed during Ramadan evenings.
Tandoori Chicken History
The history of tandoori chicken traces back to the Indian subcontinent, where meat was traditionally cooked in clay tandoors using intense heat. The method produced smoky, charred meat with a distinctive red hue.
Over time, tandoori chicken evolved globally, adapting to ovens, grills, and even crock pots—yet its core remains the same: spiced yogurt marinade + high heat cooking.
Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken Masala Recipe
Chicken
- 1 kg chicken (legs, quarters, or whole chicken cut pieces)
First Marinade
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Kashmiri chili powder – 1 tsp
Second Marinade (Tandoori Chicken Masala)
- Thick yogurt (hung curd) – ¾ cup
- Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp
- Mustard oil – 1½ tbsp
- Tandoori masala – 1½ tsp
- Paprika or Kashmiri chili – 1 tsp
- Turmeric – ½ tsp
- Garam masala – 1 tsp
- Coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Cumin powder – ½ tsp
About the Red Color
The tandoori chicken red color traditionally comes from Kashmiri chilies, not artificial dyes. Food color is optional and can be skipped for a healthier Ramadan version.
How to Make Tandoori Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Wash and pat the chicken dry. Using a sharp knife, make deep slits (2–3 per piece) on the thickest parts.
Why this matters: The cuts allow spices and yogurt to penetrate deeply, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy—especially important for legs and quarters.
Step 2: First Marinade
In a bowl, mix lemon juice, salt, and Kashmiri chili powder. Rub this mixture thoroughly into the chicken, pushing it into the cuts.
Let it rest for 20 minutes at room temperature.
Purpose: This initial seasoning tenderizes the meat and lays the flavor foundation.
Step 3: Second Marinade
In a separate bowl, combine thick yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, mustard oil, tandoori masala, paprika/Kashmiri chili, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and salt. Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
Coat the chicken generously, ensuring every cut is filled with marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for 6–24 hours (overnight is ideal).
Pro tip: Longer marination delivers deeper color, better texture, and authentic tandoori flavor.
Tandoori Chicken in Oven Time (Most Asked Question)
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F)
- Place chicken on a wire rack over a tray
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway
- Broil/grill for 5 minutes for char
👉 Exact tandoori chicken in oven time depends on size, but legs usually take 35–40 minutes total.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Not everyone has access to a traditional clay tandoor, but the good news is that excellent tandoori chicken can still be made at home using modern kitchen appliances. Below are three reliable alternative cooking methods—Air Fryer, Stovetop Grill Pan, and Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)—each explained in detail so you can achieve juicy, flavorful, and well-charred chicken without guesswork.
These methods are especially useful during Ramadan, when ease, timing, and consistency matter for Iftar preparation.
Air Fryer Method (Fast, Clean & Ramadan-Friendly)
The air fryer is one of the most convenient ways to cook tandoori chicken at home. It mimics high-heat roasting while using very little oil, making it ideal for a lighter Iftar meal.
How to Cook
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C
- Arrange marinated chicken pieces (wings) in a single layer
- Cook for 18–20 minutes total
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking
- Brush lightly with butter or oil during the final 2 minutes
Why This Method Works
The circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly while sealing in moisture. Because tandoori chicken is already marinated in yogurt and spices, it benefits greatly from the dry, intense heat of the air fryer.
Tips for Best Results
- Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed
- Use bone-in pieces for juicier results
- Always brush butter or oil near the end, not at the start
- Check internal doneness rather than relying only on time
Best For
- Busy Ramadan evenings
- Small families
- Those looking for a low-oil cooking option
The air fryer method produces tandoori chicken wings with crispy edges, tender meat, and excellent color, though it lacks the deep smokiness of a charcoal grill. Smokiness can be added later using the dhungar (coal smoke) method if desired.
Stovetop Grill Pan Method (Closest to Traditional Char)
If you want visible grill marks and deeper surface charring, a heavy grill pan is an excellent alternative. This method requires more attention but delivers very satisfying results.
How to Cook
- Heat a grill pan on medium heat
- Lightly grease the pan
- Place marinated chicken pieces on the hot pan
- Cover with a lid and cook for 8–10 minutes per side
- Once cooked through, remove the lid and cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes per side to develop char
Why Cover First, Then Uncover
Covering the pan initially traps heat and allows the chicken to cook evenly inside. Uncovering toward the end evaporates moisture and creates the classic tandoori-style charring on the surface.
Important Pan-Cooking Tips
- Keep heat at medium; high heat will burn the marinade
- Turn the chicken only when it releases easily from the pan
- Use tongs, not forks, to avoid losing juices
- Ventilate the kitchen—this method can produce smoke
Best For
- Those who enjoy smoky, charred textures
- When cooking small to medium batches
- Traditional Iftar platters served immediately
This method gives the closest stovetop experience to tandoor cooking, especially when finished with a light butter glaze.
Tandoori Chicken Crock Pot (Slow Cooker Method)
The crock pot or slow cooker is not traditionally associated with tandoori chicken, but it can be extremely useful for large gatherings or stress-free Ramadan cooking. The focus here is tenderness rather than char.
How to Cook
- Place marinated chicken in the crock pot
- Set to LOW and cook for 4–5 hours
- Once cooked, transfer chicken to a baking tray
- Finish under a hot oven grill for 5–8 minutes to develop color
Why Use a Crock Pot
Slow cooking allows the spices to deeply infuse the meat while keeping it exceptionally tender. This is ideal if you want chicken that falls off the bone.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Do not add water; yogurt marinade is sufficient
- Chicken will release its own juices
- Always finish under the grill for proper texture
- Crock pot chicken alone will lack char without grilling
Best For
- Meal prep for Ramadan
- Large family Iftar or Dawat
- When oven or air fryer space is limited
This method prioritizes ease and tenderness, making it suitable when flavor depth matters more than crisp edges.
Which Method Should You Choose?
| Method | Best Feature | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | Fast & low oil | Daily Ramadan Iftar |
| Grill Pan | Strong char & flavor | Traditional serving |
| Crock Pot | Maximum tenderness | Large gatherings |
Each method has its strengths. The key is understanding that marination does most of the flavor work—the cooking method mainly affects texture and appearance.
How to Add Smoky Flavor at Home
Heat charcoal until red hot.
Place it in a bowl over cooked chicken, add ghee, and cover for 2–3 minutes.
Tandoori Chicken Nutrition Facts (Approx.)
Per chicken leg (without skin):
- Calories: 180–220 kcal
- Protein: 26–28 g
- Fat: 7–9 g
- Carbs: 2–3 g
Tandoori Chicken Leg Calories
Lower than fried chicken and ideal for Ramadan nutrition balance.
Tandoori Chicken Nutrition (Ramadan Perspective)
- High protein helps muscle recovery
- Yogurt aids digestion
- Minimal oil prevents heaviness
- Suitable for diabetics (portion-controlled)
Tandoori Chicken with Rice and Vegetables (Complete Meal)
Serve tandoori chicken with:
- Steamed basmati rice or brown rice
- Grilled vegetables (carrot, beans, capsicum)
- Yogurt mint raita
This creates a balanced tandoori chicken meal perfect for Iftar.
Creative Tandoori Chicken Recipes (Use Leftovers)
Tandoori Chicken Salad
Slice leftover chicken over lettuce, cucumber, olives, and yogurt dressing.
Tandoori Chicken Quesadilla
Fill tortilla with shredded chicken, cheese, and onions. Grill lightly.
Tandoori Chicken Pizza Recipe
Use naan as base, spread yogurt sauce, add chicken, bake until bubbly.
Tandoori Chicken Wings Recipe
Marinate wings with same masala; air fry or bake until crisp.
Tandoori Chicken Dreamlight Valley Recipe (Fun Note)
In Disney Dreamlight Valley, tandoori chicken is inspired by spiced grilled poultry—showing how iconic this dish has become globally.
Serving Suggestions for Ramadan Iftar
- Mint chutney or garlic yogurt dip
- Fresh salad with lemon
- Dates and water before main meal
- Light drinks like lemonade or Rooh Afza
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead
- Cooked chicken keeps 2 days refrigerated
- Reheat gently to avoid dryness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using watery yogurt
- Skipping marination time
- Cooking at low temperature
- Overusing artificial color
FAQs
Is tandoori chicken healthy for Ramadan?
Yes, it is high in protein, low in oil, and easy to digest when properly prepared.
Can I cook tandoori chicken without an oven?
Yes, use a pan, air fryer, or crock pot.
Why is my tandoori chicken dry?
Insufficient yogurt, overcooking, or low fat content causes dryness.
Final Thoughts
This Tandoori Chicken: Special Ramadan Recipe delivers everything needed for a perfect Iftar—flavor, nutrition, convenience, and tradition. Whether served traditionally or reinvented into salads, pizzas, or wraps, it remains a Ramadan favorite across households.
