Tandoori Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce

Looking for a delicious and healthy dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare? This Tandoori Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce is a fantastic choice! The juicy chicken, marinated in a tangy yogurt and spice mixture, is baked to perfection and paired with a refreshing, creamy Greek Tzatziki sauce. This dish brings together the best of Indian and Greek flavors in one simple meal that takes just about 30 minutes to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tandoori Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce combines the bold and aromatic spices of the tandoori marinade with the cool, creamy zing of the tzatziki sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The yogurt marinade ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy, while the saffron (or turmeric) adds a gorgeous color and depth of flavor. Paired with the refreshing, cucumber-infused tzatziki, this dish is light yet satisfying, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or even a weekend gathering. Plus, it’s ready in less than an hour!

Ingredients

For the Tandoori Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon saffron (or turmeric for a budget-friendly option)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

2 cups plain Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 medium cucumber, seeded and diced small
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, diced cucumber, and chopped dill. Stir well to combine.

2. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste and mix again.

3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Prepare the Tandoori Chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, saffron (or turmeric), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.

3. Coat each chicken breast in the yogurt mixture, making sure it’s well-covered on all sides. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

4. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least one hour. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but marinating will enhance the flavor.

Bake the Chicken:

1. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.

2. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve:

1. Serve the Tandoori Chicken with the chilled Tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the tandoori marinade for an extra kick of heat.

• Add Vegetables: Serve the chicken with roasted or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a complete meal.

• Make it Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for both the chicken marinade and the tzatziki sauce to make the recipe dairy-free.

• Lighter Option: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier, slightly richer version of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the tzatziki sauce separately in the fridge as well.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the oven will help keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in chicken will take a little longer to cook through (about 35-40 minutes).

2. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. You can also marinate it overnight if you have the time.

4. Can I make the tzatziki sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the tzatziki sauce up to 2 days ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge and actually tastes better the longer it sits, as the flavors have time to develop.

5. Can I make this recipe with ground chicken or turkey?

Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of the tandoori chicken. Just form the mixture into patties or kebabs and bake or grill them.

6. Can I freeze the tandoori chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked tandoori chicken. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

7. Can I add more spices to the tandoori marinade?

Feel free to customize the spice mix to your taste! Common additions include garam masala, paprika, ground coriander, or cinnamon for a more aromatic flavor.

8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian version. Marinate the paneer or tofu the same way and bake or grill it.

9. How do I make the tzatziki sauce less tangy?

If you find the tzatziki too tangy, you can reduce the amount of lemon juice or mix in a little honey to balance out the acidity.

10. Can I use a store-bought tandoori marinade?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought tandoori marinade. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package and adjust the rest of the ingredients accordingly.

Conclusion

This Tandoori Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce is an easy and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Indian cuisine to your dinner table. With its perfectly spiced chicken and creamy, refreshing tzatziki, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone!

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