Olivia Carter
Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its smoky and charred flavors. Traditionally, it is cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor, where it gets its distinct taste and texture. However, if you don’t have a tandoor at home, you can still make delicious tandoori chicken using a pressure cooker!
Pressure cooking is a great way to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with the flavors of the marinade. The high pressure and heat help to lock in moisture, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken. Plus, using a pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time, making it a quick and convenient option for busy home cooks.
In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make tandoori chicken in a pressure cooker, from preparing the marinade to cooking the chicken to perfection. So, whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking for a hassle-free recipe, let’s get started on this tantalizing culinary adventure!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tandoori Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
Are you craving the delicious and juicy flavors of tandoori chicken but don’t have access to a tandoor? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy this popular Indian dish by making it in a pressure cooker. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (preferably bone-in) | 500 grams |
| Yogurt | 1 cup |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Tandoori masala | 2 tablespoons |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh coriander leaves | For garnishing |
Instructions:
Step 1: Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly and make small slits on them to allow the marinade to penetrate.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice, oil, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator, for the flavors to develop.
Step 4: Transfer the marinated chicken to the pressure cooker. Add 1/4 cup of water to the cooker to create steam.
Step 5: Close the pressure cooker with its lid and cook on high flame until you hear one whistle. Then, reduce the flame to low and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.
Step 6: Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally before opening the cooker.
Step 7: Carefully remove the tandoori chicken from the pressure cooker and place it on a serving plate.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, rice, or salad.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy tender and flavorful tandoori chicken made in a pressure cooker. It’s a quick and easy way to satisfy your craving for this classic Indian dish!
Preparing the Marinade
To make tandoori chicken in a pressure cooker, the first step is to prepare the marinade. The marinade is what gives the chicken its delicious flavor and tender texture. Here’s how to make the perfect marinade:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth paste.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well. Make sure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it more tender.
Note: For best results, use boneless chicken pieces such as chicken breast or thigh. However, you can also use bone-in pieces if desired.
Once the marinade is prepared and the chicken is coated, you can move on to the next step of cooking the tandoori chicken in a pressure cooker.
Pressure Cooking the Chicken
Pressure cooking the chicken for this tandoori chicken recipe helps to lock in the flavors and tenderize the meat. Here’s how to do it:
- First, marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and tandoori masala for at least 2 hours. This will help to infuse the chicken with the delicious tandoori flavors.
- Heat some oil in the pressure cooker and add in the marinated chicken pieces. Sear the chicken on all sides until browned. This step helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the chicken.
- Add in some water, about 1/4 cup, to the pressure cooker. This will help to create steam and build up pressure. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker tightly.
- Turn on the heat to high and bring the pressure cooker to full pressure. Once the pressure is reached, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes. This cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
- After the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker.
- Your tandoori chicken is now cooked and ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with some naan bread, rice, and a side of mint chutney.
Pressure cooking is a fast and efficient way to cook the chicken, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Give this method a try for a delicious and hassle-free tandoori chicken experience!
Finishing and Serving the Tandoori Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked in the pressure cooker and has a beautiful char on the outside, it’s time to finish and serve the tandoori chicken. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and authentic presentation:
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pressure cooker and place it on a serving platter.
- Using a basting brush, lightly brush the chicken with melted butter or ghee to enhance the flavor and give it a glossy finish.
- Sprinkle some freshly chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice over the tandoori chicken to add brightness and freshness.
- Serve the tandoori chicken hot with mint yogurt dip or raita on the side for a cooling and creamy accompaniment.
- Garnish with additional coriander leaves and lemon wedges for a vibrant and inviting presentation.
Enjoy the succulent and flavorful tandoori chicken with naan bread, rice, or any Indian bread of your choice. This authentic dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and aromatic spices.
FAQ
What is tandoori chicken?
Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, and then cooking it in a tandoor, which is a traditional clay oven. It is known for its smoky flavor and vibrant red color.
Can I make tandoori chicken in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make tandoori chicken in a pressure cooker. Using a pressure cooker allows for faster cooking time and helps to infuse the flavors into the chicken.
What ingredients do I need to make tandoori chicken in a pressure cooker?
To make tandoori chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need chicken pieces, yogurt, ginger garlic paste, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice, salt, and oil.
How long does it take to cook tandoori chicken in a pressure cooker?
The cooking time for tandoori chicken in a pressure cooker can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the pressure cooker you are using. However, it typically takes around 10-15 minutes of cooking under pressure.
