Sheet Pan Tandoori Chicken

This Sheet Pan Tandoori Chicken is based on an iconic Indian dish that is traditionally cooked in a clay oven (tandoor).

Made with chicken thighs marinated in a yogurt-based sauce, this vibrant red chicken is slightly crisp on the outside and its smoky flavor and tender and juicy on the inside.

What makes Tandoori Chicken so good?

The key to what makes tandoori chicken is that it is marinated with yogurt mixed with spices giving it a vibrant color and bold and smoky flavor .

I like that this recipe can be baked on a sheet pan.

Have you tried my recipe for Sheet Pan Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Made with hot sauce and honey, that hot honey chicken has the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors in every bite. Both this recipe for Tandoori chicken and that recipe for hot honey chicken are great tasting chicken recipes that can be baked on a sheet pan.

Using a rimmed sheet pan is important to the success of this recipe. You can find a selection of rimmed sheet pans here.

Why you will love this Masala Chicken Tandoori recipe.

Masala Chicken Tandoori features tender chicken that has been marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, yogurt, and lemon juice. This is a flavorful, slightly smoky chicken dish that has a rich, spiced exterior and juicy interior.

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• This recipe is simply baked in an oven on a sheet pan rather in a tandoor oven.
• The homemade Garam Masala Spice blend used to season this chicken is made with basic ingredients.
• Personalizing this recipe is as easy as using greek yogurt or use swapping out your chicken legs for drumsticks.
• Clean up is a breeze because we are using a sheet pan.

Ingredients you will need to make homemade Tandoori Chicken.

Masala Seasoning

• Ground Cumin.
• Ground Coriander.
• Turmeric.
• Smoked Paprika.
• Ground Cinnamon.
• Ground Cloves
• Cayenne Pepper. Can be adjusted or omitted.
• Ground Nutmeg.

Chicken.

• Chicken Thighs. Legs can alternatively be used.
• Yogurt. Use plain yogurt.
• Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed is preferred.
• Garlic. Your garlic should be minced.
• Ginger. Freshly grated is preferred.
• Oil. Such as vegetable oil.

Expert Tip👉 Some of the ingredients used to make the seasoning can stain or burn. Take precautions as needed.

How to make Sheet Pan Tandoori Chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes .
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes .
Servings: 4 .
How to Serve: Serve with rice, bread such as naan bread, or with vegetables,
Notes: You will need a rimmed baking sheet to make this recipe. .

1. Seasoning. In a large bowl, use a whisk to combine together the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cloves, Cayenne Pepper, and nutmeg.
2. Marinade. Add your yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger to the mixing bowl with the seasoning ingredients and mix well to combined.
3. Chicken Prep. Place your chicken into the large bowl and toss the chicken with the other ingredients until fully coated. Alternatively, you can use the zip top bag method to coat the chicken with the other ingredients.
4. Refrigerate. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least an hour. For optimal flavor, you can refrigerate the chicken in the marinade overnight.
5. Prepare. Prepare your baking sheet for nonstick. Aluminum foil was used in making my chicken. Also, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Chicken.Remove your chicken from the marinade and dispose of the excess marinade. Then arrange the chicken on the baking sheet so that they do not overlap.
7. Bake. Use a pastry brush or similar item to brush the oil over the chicken. Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (165 internal temperature) and has a slightly charred exterior. You can flip the chicken over midway through baking.

Tips for making the best sheet pan chicken.

Use a clean paper towel to pat the chicken dry before marinating it. Moisture can make it hard for the other ingredients to stick to the chicken.

More helpful tips for you.

1. While you could marinate the chicken for as little as an hour, the longer the chicken sites in the marinade the more flavor and tenderness the chicken will absorb.
2. For an extra charred effect, you can switch the oven to the broil in the last few minutes of baking. You should however keep a close eye on your chicken to prevent it from burning.
3. According to the experts, chicken is done cooking when it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 throughout. It should no longer be pink and the juices should run clear as well.

How to store Tandoori Chicken

Once it has fully cooled, tandoori chicken can be stored in an airtight container. When properly stored, tandoor chicken should keep for up to four days when refrigerated.

You may also be interested in these chicken recipes.

• Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Breasts
• Chicken Fajita Casserole Bake
• Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
• Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings
• Crockpot Bourbon Chicken (Slow Cooker) Recipe
• Crockpot Chicken and Potato Dinner