Description
Easy Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks deliver juicy, tender chicken infused with bold, smoky, and tangy Indian flavors. This recipe combines a fragrant marinade of yogurt and spices, offering a quick and simple meal perfect for weeknights, parties, or meal prep. Ready in under an hour, it promises a tender, flavorful bite every time with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks, skin on
Marinade
- 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably thick)
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala spice blend
- 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, tandoori masala, garlic and ginger paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, salt, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and thick enough to coat the chicken evenly.
- Marinate the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Add them to the marinade and toss to ensure every piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Oven or Grill: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature ensures even cooking and the development of a nice char on the exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the marinated drumsticks on a wire rack over a baking tray if using the oven, or place directly on grill grates if grilling. Roast or grill for 30 to 35 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and charred on the outside.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the cooked drumsticks and let them rest for a few minutes to redistribute the juices. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, and optionally chaat masala for added brightness and flavor layering.
Notes
- Use Thick Yogurt: Thick yogurt creates a creamier marinade that adheres better to the chicken.
- Marinate Longer: For more intense flavor, marinate overnight instead of just one hour.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Drying the chicken helps the marinade stick better and promotes crispier skin after cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure each drumstick has space for even cooking and crisping.
- Check Internal Temperature: Cook until drumsticks reach 165°F (74°C) internally to ensure safety without drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Tandoori Chicken, Indian Chicken Recipe, Spicy Chicken Drumsticks, Easy Chicken Marinade, Oven Baked Chicken, Grilled Chicken Drumsticks, Gluten Free Chicken