Tandoori chicken is a classic Indian dish that is loved by many around the world. Traditionally, it is cooked in a clay oven known as a tandoor, but not everyone has access to one. Luckily, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of tandoori chicken by making it in an LG microwave convection oven.
The LG microwave convection oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the convenience of a microwave with the cooking capabilities of a convection oven. This means that you can use it to not only heat up leftovers and defrost food, but also to bake, grill, and roast dishes like tandoori chicken.
To make tandoori chicken in an LG microwave convection oven, you will need some basic ingredients like chicken pieces, yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and a blend of Indian spices. The yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken and the blend of spices gives it that distinct tandoori flavor.
Start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and the spice blend. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for even more flavor. Then, preheat your LG microwave convection oven to the appropriate temperature and grill the chicken for about 20-25 minutes or until it is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside.
Once the tandoori chicken is cooked, you can serve it with some naan bread, basmati rice, and a side of mint chutney. The juicy and flavorful chicken pairs perfectly with the soft and fluffy naan bread, and the mint chutney adds a refreshing and tangy element to the dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal, making tandoori chicken in an LG microwave convection oven is a great way to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
What is Tandoori Chicken?
Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish that originated in the Punjab region of India. It is traditionally cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor, which gives the dish its name. The tandoor is a cylindrical oven made of clay or metal, and it is heated with charcoal or wood to high temperatures.
Tandoori chicken is made by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt and spices, which gives the chicken its distinct flavor and red color. The yogurt helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the spices. The most common spices used in the marinade include turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste.
After marinating the chicken, it is then roasted in the tandoor until it is cooked through and has a charred, smoky flavor. The high heat of the tandoor gives the chicken a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and juicy. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that is loved by many.
Tandoori chicken is often served with naan or rice and can be accompanied by various condiments, such as mint chutney or raita. It is a popular dish in Indian cuisine and is enjoyed both at home and in restaurants.
Health Benefits of Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is a relatively healthy dish, especially when compared to other Indian dishes that are often high in calories and fats. The use of yogurt as a marinade helps to keep the chicken moist and tender without adding excessive amounts of oil or butter. Additionally, the spices used in the marinade are known for their health benefits. For example, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and cumin aids digestion.
Furthermore, cooking the chicken in a tandoor allows for the excess fat to drip off, resulting in a lower-fat dish. The high heat of the tandoor also helps to retain the nutrients in the chicken, making it a nutritious choice.
However, it’s important to note that the healthiness of tandoori chicken can vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking method used. It’s best to opt for homemade versions or choose a reputable restaurant that uses quality ingredients.
How to Make Tandoori Chicken in LG Microwave Convection Oven
If you don’t have access to a traditional tandoor, you can still enjoy tandoori chicken by using a microwave convection oven, such as an LG Microwave Convection Oven. This type of oven allows you to replicate the high heat and charred flavor of a tandoor.
Here is a basic recipe for making tandoori chicken in an LG Microwave Convection Oven:
- Mix yogurt, spices, and ginger-garlic paste in a bowl to make the marinade.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade and ensure they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the LG Microwave Convection Oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
- Place the marinated chicken on a grill rack or a baking tray lined with aluminum foil.
- Put the grill rack or baking tray in the oven and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a charred appearance.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade tandoori chicken with naan or rice and your favorite condiments!
Preparation
Before you begin making tandoori chicken in your LG microwave convection oven, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
- 1 kilogram of chicken pieces
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of tandoori masala
- 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnishing
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare the tandoori chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to make a smooth marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Make sure each piece is well coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the chicken to marinate and absorb the flavors.
- Preheat your LG microwave convection oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces on a greased baking tray or wire rack. Make sure to leave some space between the pieces for even cooking.
- Place the baking tray or wire rack in the preheated oven and cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan bread or rice.
Enjoy your delicious homemade tandoori chicken made in your LG microwave convection oven!
Gather Ingredients
Before you begin making tandoori chicken in your LG microwave convection oven, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken | 500 grams |
Yogurt | 1 cup |
Ginger paste | 1 tablespoon |
Garlic paste | 1 tablespoon |
Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Turmeric powder | 1 teaspoon |
Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
Garam masala | 1 teaspoon |
Cumin powder | 1 teaspoon |
Coriander powder | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Mustard oil | 2 tablespoons |
Red food coloring (optional) | A few drops |
Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves | For garnishing |
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before proceeding with the recipe. Once you have everything ready, you can move on to the next step of preparing the tandoori chicken.
Marinate the Chicken
To make delicious tandoori chicken in your LG microwave convection oven, the first step is to marinate the chicken. This will infuse the meat with a variety of flavorful spices and yogurt, resulting in a juicy and tender dish.
Ingredients:
2 pounds chicken (preferably bone-in, like drumsticks or thighs) |
1 cup plain yogurt |
2 tablespoons tandoori masala |
2 tablespoons lemon juice |
2 teaspoons ginger paste |
2 teaspoons garlic paste |
1 teaspoon red chili powder |
1 teaspoon turmeric powder |
1 teaspoon cumin powder |
1 teaspoon coriander powder |
1 teaspoon salt |
To begin, combine all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until you have a smooth and uniform paste. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Next, add the chicken pieces to the marinade and make sure they are thoroughly coated. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring that each piece is well covered. This will help to tenderize the chicken and allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Once the chicken is well marinated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This extended marinating time will give the chicken a rich and intense flavor.
When you are ready to cook the tandoori chicken, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in preparing tandoori chicken in your LG microwave convection oven. It not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. So take your time to marinate the chicken properly and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering dish!
Preheat the Oven
Before you begin preparing the tandoori chicken, it’s important to preheat your LG microwave convection oven. This will ensure that the oven reaches the right temperature for cooking the chicken.
Step 1: Set the Temperature
Turn on your LG microwave convection oven and press the “Microwave” button to activate the microwave function. Press the “Convection” button to switch to the convection cooking mode. Use the numeric keypad to enter the desired temperature for preheating the oven. For tandoori chicken, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is recommended.
Step 2: Start the Preheating Process
Once you have set the temperature, press the “Start” button to begin preheating the oven. The oven will start heating up and you will see the temperature displayed on the control panel. It may take a few minutes for the oven to reach the desired temperature.
Tips: |
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– While preheating the oven, make sure the oven door is closed to prevent heat loss. |
– It’s a good idea to preheat the oven for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure that it reaches the desired temperature. |
Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, it is ready for you to start cooking the tandoori chicken. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions for marinating the chicken and placing it in the oven. Enjoy your homemade tandoori chicken cooked in your LG microwave convection oven!
Cooking Process
1. Start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Preheat the LG microwave convection oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
3. Place the marinated chicken on a microwave-safe tray and cook it in the convection mode for 20 minutes.
4. After 20 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and flip the chicken pieces over to ensure even cooking.
5. Put the tray back into the oven and continue cooking for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Once cooked, remove the tray from the oven and let the tandoori chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with mint chutney or naan bread.
8. Enjoy your homemade tandoori chicken!
Place the Chicken in the Oven
Once you have marinated the chicken, it is time to cook it in the LG microwave convection oven. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. While the oven is heating up, remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a microwave-safe baking dish or plate.
Make sure to spread the pieces out evenly on the dish, so they cook evenly. If you have a large amount of chicken, you may need to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Once the oven is preheated, place the baking dish with the chicken inside. Close the oven door and set the cooking time according to the recipe you are using. Typically, tandoori chicken takes around 25-30 minutes to cook in a microwave convection oven.
During the cooking process, it is important to keep an eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning. If you notice that the chicken is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while ensuring it cooks through.
Once the cooking time is up, use oven mitts to carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. The chicken should be cooked through and have a beautiful, golden color. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Now that you know how to place the chicken in the oven, you can enjoy delicious homemade tandoori chicken made in your LG microwave convection oven.
Q&A
What ingredients are needed to make Tandoori chicken in an LG microwave convection oven?
To make Tandoori chicken in an LG microwave convection oven, you will need chicken pieces, yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, salt, oil, and food coloring (optional).
Can I use any other type of oven instead of an LG microwave convection oven?
Yes, you can use any other type of oven to make Tandoori chicken. The cooking instructions may vary slightly depending on the type of oven you are using, but the overall process remains the same.
How long does it take to cook Tandoori chicken in an LG microwave convection oven?
It usually takes around 25-30 minutes to cook Tandoori chicken in an LG microwave convection oven. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the power settings of your oven.
Do I need to marinate the chicken before cooking?
Yes, marinating the chicken is an important step in making Tandoori chicken. It helps to infuse the meat with the flavors of the spices and makes it tender and juicy. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for better results.
Can I use boneless chicken instead of chicken pieces with bones?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken to make Tandoori chicken. However, the cooking time may be slightly shorter for boneless chicken as compared to chicken pieces with bones. It is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the chicken is cooked properly.