How To Cook Chicken Tandoori In Microwave Oven

If you’re craving authentic Indian flavors and don’t have access to a traditional clay tandoor oven, fear not! You can still enjoy the delicious taste of chicken tandoori in the comfort of your own home using a microwave oven. This mouthwatering dish, known for its tender and juicy chicken infused with aromatic spices, is sure to impress your family and guests.

To begin, gather all the necessary ingredients for chicken tandoori. You will need boneless chicken pieces, preferably thighs or breasts, yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. These ingredients work together to create a rich and flavorful marinade that will make your chicken incredibly delicious.

Next, make the marinade by combining the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt in a bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The yogurt acts as a tenderizer, while the spices infuse the chicken with their aromatic flavors. Marinade the chicken in this mixture for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Preparation for Cooking Chicken Tandoori

Before you begin cooking chicken tandoori in a microwave oven, it is important to prepare the chicken properly. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish:

1. Clean and marinate the chicken

Start by cleaning the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry using a paper towel. Now, make small cuts on the chicken pieces to allow the marinade to penetrate well. This will also help in even cooking.

In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and a few drops of orange food color (optional). Mix well to form a smooth paste. Coat the chicken pieces with this marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors develop.

2. Preheat the microwave oven

Before cooking, preheat the microwave oven on the convection mode at 200 degrees Celsius for 10-15 minutes. This will help in even and quick cooking of the chicken tandoori.

Note: If your microwave oven doesn’t have a convection mode, you can use the grill mode instead.

3. Arrange the chicken pieces

Take a microwave-friendly glass dish and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the dish, leaving some space between them for even cooking.

You can also use a microwave-safe grill rack to elevate the chicken pieces and allow for even browning.

Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for the steam to escape.

Now that you have properly prepared the chicken tandoori, it is ready to be cooked in the microwave oven. Follow the cooking instructions and enjoy a delicious homemade chicken tandoori!

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is an essential step in preparing delicious chicken tandoori in a microwave oven. The marinade helps to infuse the flavors and tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken.

To marinate the chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

1. In a mixing bowl, add yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix everything well until you get a smooth and thick marinade.

2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly with the mixture. Ensure that all the chicken pieces are well coated.

3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it more tender.

Tips:

1. You can adjust the quantity of spices according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of red chili powder.

2. For extra flavor, you can also add a tablespoon of mustard oil to the marinade.

Preparing the Tandoori Sauce

To make the flavorful tandoori sauce for the chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well until they form a smooth paste. The yogurt will provide a creamy base while the spices will give the sauce its distinctive tandoori flavor.

Once the sauce is well mixed, add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them evenly with the tandoori sauce. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated to ensure maximum flavor.

After coating the chicken, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and result in a tender and flavorful dish.

Now that the tandoori sauce is prepared and the chicken is marinating, you are ready to move on to the next steps of cooking the chicken tandoori in the microwave oven.

Cooking Chicken Tandoori in a Microwave Oven

Chicken Tandoori is a popular Indian dish known for its unique and delicious flavors. Traditionally, it is cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor. However, if you don’t have access to a tandoor, you can still enjoy this flavorful dish by cooking it in a microwave oven.

Ingredients:

– 500 grams of chicken pieces

– 1 cup of plain yogurt

– 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

– 2 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste

– 2 teaspoons of paprika

– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

– 1 teaspoon of cumin powder

– 1 teaspoon of coriander powder

– 1 teaspoon of garam masala

– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, ginger-garlic paste, paprika, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. This will be the marinade for the chicken.

2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring that each piece is coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator for even better results.

3. Once the chicken is marinated, place it on a microwave-safe plate, making sure to space out the pieces evenly.

4. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help trap the steam and ensure that the chicken stays tender and juicy.

5. Microwave the chicken on medium-high power for 10 minutes.

6. After 10 minutes, carefully remove the plate from the microwave and check if the chicken is cooked. It should be white and tender.

7. If the chicken is not fully cooked, place it back in the microwave and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until it is fully cooked.

8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

9. Serve the Chicken Tandoori hot with naan bread or rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Enjoy the delicious and flavorful Chicken Tandoori cooked in a microwave oven!

Preheating the Microwave Oven

Before you start cooking chicken tandoori in the microwave oven, it’s important to preheat the oven to ensure even cooking and to achieve the desired results. Follow the steps below to preheat your microwave oven:

Step 1: Check the Oven

Make sure the microwave oven is functioning properly and is clean. Remove any food leftovers or debris from previous use.

Step 2: Set the Power Level

Set the power level of the microwave oven to high for cooking chicken tandoori. Most microwave ovens have a power level setting option that is adjustable. Check the user manual of your specific microwave oven model for instructions on how to set the power level.

Step 3: Adjust the Time

Adjust the cooking time according to the weight and quantity of the chicken tandoori. As a general guideline, microwave cooking times are usually shorter than traditional cooking methods.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Place a microwave-safe plate or bowl in the center of the microwave oven and preheat it for 2-3 minutes. Preheating the plate or bowl will ensure that the chicken tandoori is cooked evenly.

Note: Always use a microwave-safe plate or bowl to prevent any accidents or damage to the microwave oven.

Once the microwave oven is preheated, you are ready to start cooking the delicious chicken tandoori. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

Placing the Marinated Chicken in the Microwave Oven

Once the chicken is marinated and ready to be cooked, it’s time to place it in the microwave oven. Follow these steps to ensure a proper cooking process:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Microwave-safe Dish

Get a microwave-safe dish large enough to hold the chicken pieces without them touching each other. It’s important to choose a dish that is microwave-safe to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t get contaminated.

Step 2: Arranging the Chicken Pieces

Take each marinated chicken piece and place it in the dish, making sure there is some space between them. This allows the microwaves to reach all sides of the chicken and ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Covering the Dish

Using a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap, cover the dish with the marinated chicken pieces. This helps to trap the steam inside the dish, which cooks the chicken and keeps it moist.

Step 4: Adjusting the Cooking Time and Power Level

Refer to your microwave oven’s user manual to find the appropriate cooking time and power level for chicken tandoori. Generally, cooking on high power for around 6-8 minutes per pound should be sufficient, but it’s important to check for doneness by using a meat thermometer.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and power of your microwave oven, so it’s crucial to always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to consume.

Step 5: Microwaving the Chicken

Place the covered dish with the marinated chicken in the microwave oven and set the cooking time and power level accordingly. Start the microwave and let it cook the chicken according to the settings you’ve selected.

Remember: It’s important to pause the microwave periodically and check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through. The recommended internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).

With these steps in mind, you’ll be able to safely and efficiently cook chicken tandoori in your microwave oven. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional Indian dish right from the convenience of your kitchen!

FAQ

Can I cook chicken tandoori in a microwave oven?

Yes, you can cook chicken tandoori in a microwave oven. It is a quick and convenient way to prepare this dish.

What ingredients do I need to make chicken tandoori in a microwave oven?

You will need chicken pieces, yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and oil.

How long does it take to cook chicken tandoori in a microwave oven?

The cooking time can vary depending on the size and quantity of the chicken pieces, but on average it takes about 20-25 minutes to cook chicken tandoori in a microwave oven.

What can I serve with chicken tandoori made in a microwave oven?

Chicken tandoori goes well with naan bread, rice, or salad. You can also serve it with mint chutney or yogurt dip.