Tandoori Chicken Wings
Juicy, tender chicken wings marinated in a classic tandoori spice blend and yogurt, then baked to smoky perfection. A fantastic appetizer or party snack with a vibrant red hue. Please note, the total time does not include the recommended 4-hour marination period.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and First Marination
- b.Clean the chicken wings and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy finish.
- c.Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 shallow cuts on each wing. This helps the marinade penetrate deeper.
- d.In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder, and 0.5 tsp salt. Rub the mixture thoroughly into the wings, getting into the cuts.
- e.Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Second Marinade
- b.In a separate large bowl, whisk the hung curd until it's smooth and creamy.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste, remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice, mustard oil, and all the dry spice powders: remaining Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala.
- d.Add the remaining 1 tsp of salt. Crush the kasuri methi between your palms to release its aroma and add it to the bowl.
- e.Mix everything until you have a smooth, thick, and vibrant marinade.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Marinate
- b.Add the chicken wings from the first marinade into the yogurt marinade.
- c.Use your hands to coat each wing generously and evenly.
- d.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the most tender and flavorful results.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake the Wings
- b.Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top.
- c.Arrange the marinated wings on the wire rack in a single layer, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Do not overcrowd the rack.
- d.Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking.
- e.In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the wings with melted butter for extra flavor and browning.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Char and Serve
- b.For an authentic tandoor-like char, switch the oven to the broil/grill setting on high. Broil the wings for 1-2 minutes per side, watching them very carefully to prevent burning.
- c.Once cooked and slightly charred, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- d.Transfer the hot wings to a serving platter, sprinkle generously with chaat masala, and garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves.
- e.Serve immediately with onion rings and lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using hung curd (Greek yogurt) is essential. It creates a thick marinade that clings to the wings. If you only have regular curd, hang it in a muslin cloth for 1-2 hours to drain the whey.
- 2Don't skip patting the chicken wings dry. A dry surface helps the marinade adhere better and results in crispier skin.
- 3Mustard oil provides the authentic, pungent flavor of tandoori dishes. If you must substitute, use a neutral oil but the taste will be different.
- 4Marinating overnight is highly recommended for the most tender and flavorful chicken.
- 5Using a wire rack while baking allows hot air to circulate, ensuring the wings get crispy on all sides.
- 6Let the wings rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them moist and tender.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cooking Method
For an Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F). Arrange wings in a single layer and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
For a Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the wings for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through with nice char marks.
Spice LevelSpice Level
For a spicier version, add 1/2 tsp of regular red chili powder (cayenne) or 1-2 finely chopped green chilies to the second marinade.
DietaryDietary
For a vegetarian alternative, use this marinade on cauliflower florets, paneer cubes, or firm tofu. Adjust baking time accordingly (typically shorter).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
The use of curd (yogurt) in the marinade provides beneficial probiotics, which promote a healthy gut microbiome, aid digestion, and support the immune system.
Rich in Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Healthier Cooking Method
Baking or grilling is a much healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires significantly less oil, resulting in lower overall fat and calorie content.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of approximately 4 wings (around 260g) contains an estimated 450-550 calories, depending on the size of the wings and the amount of marinade absorbed. This is a general estimate and can vary.