Grilled Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cool Cucumber Raita
Grilled Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cool Cucumber Raita: A Perfect Summer Recipe
When summer comes, it is time for outdoor grilling. Grilled Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cool Cucumber Raita is one of those staples that you can never go wrong with. This dish is not only delicious, but it is also healthy and easy to make. In this article, we will explore in detail how to make this mouth-watering dish and what makes it so unique.
What is Tandoori-Style Chicken?
Tandoori-Style Chicken is a delicious Indian dish where chicken is marinated in a spicy, yogurt-based mixture and then traditionally cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor. However, you can easily make it on the grill at home.
The marinade consists of yogurt, lemon juice, spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. These spices impart an irresistible aroma, flavor, and color to the chicken. The yogurt in the marinade helps to tenderize the chicken, making it moist and juicy.
What is Cucumber Raita?
Cucumber Raita is a refreshing and cooling yogurt-based condiment usually served with spicy Indian dishes. It is made with diced cucumbers, yogurt, cumin, coriander, salt, and mint. This condiment adds an extra layer of flavor to the chicken and helps cut through the spiciness of the tandoori marinade.
How to Make Grilled Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cool Cucumber Raita
Ingredients:
For the Tandoori Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cucumber Raita:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, lemon juice, olive oil, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and coat it well. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Ensure the chicken is well-cooked but not dry.
6. To make the cucumber raita, add the diced cucumber, yogurt, chopped mint leaves, ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt into a mixing bowl. Mix well.
7. Chill the cucumber raita in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
8. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
9. Serve the grilled tandoori-style chicken with a generous dollop of cucumber raita on the side.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cool Cucumber Raita is flavorful and healthy. This dish perfectly balances the heat of the marinade with the cooling effect of the cucumber raita. The yogurt in the marinade tenderizes the chicken, making it moist and succulent.
Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor and a crispy texture to the chicken that we all love. This dish is great for entertaining guests, as it can be easily scaled up or down depending on the number of guests. So, the next time you fire up the grill, try making this mouth-watering dish and enjoy the taste of Indian cuisine.