Tandoori Tawa Chicken, a delightful dish that marries rich flavors and vibrant colors, has a captivating history that traces back to the Indian subcontinent.
The origins of this mouthwatering recipe are steeped in tradition, with roots in the age-old cooking technique of tandoori, where marinated meats are cooked in a clay oven known as a tandoor.
This age-old method of preparing meat not only infuses it with smoky aromas but also seals in the juices, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful dishes.
Traditionally, the use of a tandoor was prevalent in Punjab, but as culinary practices evolved, so too did the methods of preparation. Enter the tawa, a flat iron griddle used across India, which has allowed home cooks to recreate the tandoori magic without the need for a clay oven. T
andoori Tawa Chicken combines marination and grilling techniques, making it a more accessible yet equally delicious option for those eager to explore the world of Indian cuisine.
Making Tandoori Tawa Chicken is a process that strikes a balance between simplicity and culinary finesse. While the marination requires some time—often best if left overnight to develop the flavors—the cooking itself is relatively straightforward.
Chicken Legs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken legs are a popular choice for grilling or roasting. They are known for their tender meat and richer taste compared to chicken breasts, making them ideal for marinating and cooking with bold spices.
Yoghurt: A key ingredient in many marinades, yoghurt helps to tenderize the meat while adding a creamy texture and tangy flavor. It also creates a delicious binder for spices, ensuring they evenly coat the chicken.
Oil: Used in cooking, oil assists in achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist. It also helps the spices adhere to the meat more effectively during marination and cooking.
Lemon Juice: The bright acidity of lemon juice not only adds a fresh flavor, but it also helps to tenderize the chicken. The citric acid in lemon juice breaks down the proteins, making the meat more succulent.
Ginger Paste: Ground fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy kick to dishes. It also imparts a subtle sweetness and is known for its digestive benefits, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Mint Sauce: This aromatic condiment brings a refreshing flavor to the marinade, balancing the spices with its coolness and elevating the taste of the chicken.
Cumin Seeds: Cumin seeds offer a warm, earthy flavor, often described as nutty. They release their essential oils when toasted, intensifying their aroma and flavor in the dish.
Salt: A fundamental ingredient, salt enhances the overall taste of the chicken. It helps to balance flavors and is essential in the marination process to draw moisture into the meat.
Cumin Powder: Ground cumin carries the same earthy and nutty flavors as cumin seeds but in a more concentrated form. It’s used to deepen the flavor of the marinade and provides warmth to the dish.
Chilli Powder: For those who enjoy heat, chilli powder adds spiciness and depth to the marinade. It brings color and a robust flavor, making the dish more exciting on the palate.
Turmeric Powder: Known for its vibrant yellow hue, turmeric powder adds both color and a mild, earthy flavor. It is also celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in many traditional dishes.
Tandoori Masala: A blend of spices specifically for tandoori cooking, tandoori masala includes a combination of spices such as coriander, cumin, and garam masala, bringing a complex flavor and vibrant color to the chicken.
Dried Fenugreek: Often used in Indian cuisine, dried fenugreek leaves impart a slightly bitter, but incredibly fragrant experience, enhancing the overall aromatic quality and flavor of the dish.
Green Chillies: Fresh green chillies contribute a lively heat and vibrant flavor. Their natural sharpness complements the spices and provides a fresh, zesty element to the marinade.
Coriander: Both the leaves and the seeds are used in various cuisines. In this recipe, coriander provides a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor that brightens the overall dish, enhancing the aromatic experience.
Tandoori Tawa Chicken is a wonderful dish that brings together the flavors of classic tandoori cooking with the convenience of a stovetop. There are many ways to serve this delightful dish, as well as variations you can try to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
One of the most common ways to serve Tandoori Tawa Chicken is with a side of naan or roti. The warm, pillowy bread is excellent for mopping up the flavorful juices, offering a hearty complement to the spiced chicken.
You can also serve it alongside fragrant basmati rice or pulao for a more substantial meal. Garnishing the dish with fresh coriander leaves and slices of lemon adds a vibrant touch and enhances the dish’s presentation and flavor profile.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, pair the chicken with a refreshing cucumber raita. The cooling effect of the yogurt-based raita contrasts beautifully with the warm spices of the chicken, creating a balanced dining experience. This pairing not only complements the dish but also helps to tone down the heat from the spices.
If you’re looking to add a touch of freshness, consider serving Tandoori Tawa Chicken with a side salad made from chopped tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of chaat masala. This salad can provide a crunchy texture and acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
For variations, you can explore different marinades. Instead of using mint sauce, try a mix of fresh cilantro or even basil for an Italian twist. Gremolata, a mixture of garlic, lemon, and parsley, can also provide a unique flavor profile.
You could also substitute the chicken legs with chicken breasts, ensuring they are marinated well to keep them moist, as they’re more prone to drying out during cooking.
If you prefer vegetarian options, consider marinating paneer, tofu, or assorted vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms in the same spiced yogurt mixture. Then, cook them on the tawa for a delicious vegetarian version that retains the smoky flavor of traditional tandoori cooking.
For a spicy kick, increase the amount of green chillies or include chopped jalapeños in the marinade. If you are looking for a more mellow flavor, reduce the chilli powder and use only mild spices, focusing more on the cumin and fenugreek to create a warming flavor without too much heat.
When it comes to serving styles, you can also consider making Tandoori Tawa Chicken skewers. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers before cooking. This presentation is great for parties or gatherings. You can also prepare mini wraps using the Tandoori Tawa Chicken, stuffing it into tortillas along with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of yogurt dressing for a fun and easy meal.
Experimenting with cooking techniques can also lead to exciting outcomes. For instance, after cooking on the tawa, you can finish the chicken off under a broiler for a few minutes to get a charred, grill-like taste.
Alternatively, for a smokier flavor, consider using a smoking technique with a hot piece of charcoal, placing it in a small bowl, and using ghee to create smoke that infuses the chicken with that unparalleled tandoori essence.
With these serving suggestions and variations, Tandoori Tawa Chicken can be adapted to suit many preferences, ensuring it remains a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Tandoori Tawa Chicken is a flavorful dish made from marinated chicken that is cooked on a tawa (a flat griddle or skillet) to resemble the cooking method of tandoori. The chicken is typically marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, and herbs, giving it a rich taste and vibrant colour.
While Tandoori Tawa Chicken is traditionally prepared on a tawa, it can also be cooked in an oven. Preheat your oven to a high temperature (about 200°C or 400°F), place the marinated chicken on a baking tray, and bake for about 20-30 minutes until fully cooked, turning halfway through for even cooking.
Tandoori Tawa Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including naan or paratha, rice, raita (yogurt sauce), fresh salad, or pickles. These accompaniments enhance the dish’s flavors and provide a balanced meal.
The spiciness of Tandoori Tawa Chicken can vary based on the amount of spices, particularly chili powder, used in the marinade. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it altogether while still enjoying the other aromatic spices.
Yes, you can use boneless chicken for Tandoori Tawa Chicken. Boneless chicken cooks faster and can absorb the marinade well, making it tender and flavorful. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
To add a smoky flavor to Tandoori Tawa Chicken, you can employ the “dhungar” method. This involves heating a piece of charcoal until it’s red hot, placing it in a small bowl, and adding a drizzle of oil or ghee on top. Cover the chicken with the bowl for a few minutes, allowing the smoke to infuse the chicken.
Tandoori Tawa Chicken can be a healthy dish as it uses lean chicken and is cooked with minimal oil compared to deep-fried alternatives. The use of yogurt in the marinade also adds probiotics. However, portion size and accompanying dishes should be considered for a well-balanced meal.
Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.
If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!
Subscribe now to receive my latest recipes directly in your inbox. Stay up-to-date and never miss out!
I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.
Add your first comment to this post