Secrets to Our Delicious Tandoori Chicken

SUHEL AHMED • 25 February 2025

Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken, with its vibrant colour and smoky flavour, is a dish that has delighted taste buds for generations. Its unique preparation using a clay oven known as a tandoor gives it a distinct taste that has become a favourite around the globe. At Tower Tandoori, we pride ourselves on keeping this tradition alive, offering guests a taste that’s both authentic and tantalising.

The journey of Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken begins with our carefully crafted marinade, which blends spices and ingredients to create a flavourful base. This marinade is the heart of the dish, infusing each piece of chicken with aromatic herbs and spices. The cooking process in the tandoor seals in these flavours, resulting in tender chicken with a perfect char.

Exploring the world of Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken doesn't stop at the restaurant. With the right techniques, you can recreate this magical dish at home. In this article, we’ll delve into the secrets that make our Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken irresistibly delicious, from the history of this beloved dish to tips for achieving the best results in your own kitchen.

The Legacy of Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken

Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken holds a special place in the heart of Indian cuisine. This dish is known for its rich history and cultural roots, with origins traced back to the Punjab region. Traditionally, Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken was prepared in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven that imparts a unique, smoky flavour. This method of cooking not only enhances the taste but also creates the distinctive char that is loved by many.

The cultural significance of Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken goes beyond its flavours. It’s a symbol of communal gatherings and celebrations, often found at family feasts and festivals. As it gained popularity, Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken transcended its regional boundaries, captivating food lovers far and wide. Its introduction to global audiences, particularly during the mid-20th century, marked the beginning of its journey into international fame.

Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken's appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility. It pairs beautifully with diverse ingredients, making it adaptable to different culinary styles. Over time, it became a global favourite, featured prominently on menus around the world. This dish showcases the rich tapestry of Indian culinary traditions, inviting everyone to explore its intricacies and fall in love with its flavours.

Mastering the Marinade

The heart of any great Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken is its marinade. Creating the perfect marinade requires a balance of spices and ingredients that infuse the chicken with a distinctive flavour. The right blend not only adds depth but also tenderises the meat, making each bite succulent and delicious.

Key ingredients of the marinade include yoghurt, which acts as a tenderiser, and a selection of spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Lemon juice adds acidity, enhancing the flavours and helping the spices to penetrate the meat. A touch of chilli powder provides the classic heat, yet can be adjusted to suit different palates.

Here's a simple step-by-step process for marinating chicken:

1. Prepare the Base: Mix together plain yoghurt, lemon juice, and garlic and ginger pastes to form a smooth base.

2. Add the Spices: Stir in cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and chilli powder. The mixture should be vibrant and fragrant.

3. Coat the Chicken: Gently coat the chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered.

4. Marinate: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 4 hours. For best results, leave it overnight in the fridge, allowing the flavours to fully develop.

Following these steps ensures that the marinade permeates every part of the chicken, resulting in an authentic and flavourful dish that honours tradition while inviting personal flair.

The Art of Tandoor Cooking

Cooking Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken in a tandoor sets it apart from other grilled dishes. The tandoor is a cylindrical clay oven that operates at high temperatures, allowing even heat distribution and lending that characteristic smoky flavour to the chicken. The intense heat chars the exterior while keeping the insides tender and juicy, resulting in a perfect balance of texture and taste.

One of the secrets to achieving the tandoori effect at home, without a tandoor, is to use your oven or grill effectively. Here are some tips:

1. Preheat Thoroughly: Ensure your oven or grill is preheated to a high temperature, ideally around 240°C (450°F). This helps replicate the rapid cooking environment of a tandoor.

2. Use a Grill Rack: Cook the chicken on a grill rack or skewers. This allows heat to circulate, cooking the chicken evenly and achieving that desired char.

3. Baste Regularly: Apply a light coat of olive oil or butter during cooking to keep the chicken moist and enhance the flavours.

4. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked while remaining juicy.

These techniques help bring the authentic taste of Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken to your kitchen, delivering a satisfying culinary experience that rivals traditional methods.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages, enhancing its flavours while complementing the entire meal. Its versatility makes it easy to create a balance of tastes and textures that delight the palate.

For sides, consider these delicious options:

- Naan Bread: Soft and slightly chewy, naan serves as the perfect vessel to soak up the spices and juices of the chicken.

- Mint Chutney: This refreshing condiment offers a cooling contrast to the smoky heat of the chicken.

- Cucumber Raita: A yoghurt-based side, raita balances the spices with its cool and creamy texture.

When it comes to beverages, opt for flavours that complement the spices of your Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken:

- Mango Lassi: This smoothie-like drink cools the palate with its sweet, fruity notes.

- Masala Chai: A spiced tea that pairs well with the aromatic layers of the chicken.

- Lime Soda: A refreshing and tangy option that cleanses the palate between bites.

These pairings elevate the dining experience, making each meal an occasion to savour and enjoy.

Conclusion

Experience the magic of Tandoori Piri Piri Chicken by embracing its marinade secrets and mastering the cooking process. With a few simple steps, you can transform your kitchen into a haven for this beloved dish, offering flavours that captivate and satisfy.

Elevate your culinary adventures by visiting Tower Tandoori, where our expert chefs bring tradition and taste together beautifully. Tempt your taste buds with our authentic recipes and discover how our heritage inspires every flavourful dish. Join us at our Tandoori Indian restaurant in London to savour the authentic taste and warm hospitality we are renowned for, and let Tower Tandoori introduce you to the real delights of Indian cuisine.

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Discover new favourites or relive classic delights as you enjoy a memorable meal in the heart of London.