Grilled Tandoori Chicken with Spiced Chickpeas: An Affordable, Healthy, and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Discover the magic of homemade Indian cuisine with this incredibly affordable, healthy, and utterly delicious recipe for Grilled Tandoori Chicken served alongside perfectly Spiced Chickpeas. This meal is not only easy to prepare but also perfectly suited for busy weeknights, offering a burst of flavor that will transport your taste buds.
For the latest addition to our popular “Cheap Meal of the Week” dinner series, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Indian flavors. The secret? Starting with budget-friendly chicken and unleashing the full potential of your spice cabinet. There’s truly nothing more satisfying than cooking Indian-inspired dishes to make the most of those aromatic spices often hidden away. And when it comes to the star protein, humble chicken drumsticks are an absolute winner. Not only are they incredibly inexpensive, especially when bought on sale, but once you remove the skins, their nutritional profile isn’t far off from leaner breast meat. Plus, let’s be honest, they pack so much more flavor and juiciness! In our household, drumsticks are a guaranteed hit with the kids any day.
The Secret to Succulent Tandoori Chicken: A Yogurt Marinade
This Tandoori-style chicken recipe is a game-changer. After meticulously removing the skins from the drumsticks, I immersed them in a truly delightful and healthy yogurt-spice mixture. This marinade performed wonders, transforming ordinary chicken into something exceptionally juicy and tender! I had never experimented with a yogurt-based marinade before, and I’m genuinely thrilled to share the results – it was *that* good. The lactic acid in the yogurt works its magic, breaking down tough protein fibers without drying out the meat, while the spices infuse deep into every crevice, promising an explosion of flavor with every bite.
After letting the chicken soak up all that incredible flavor, I grilled them to perfection, achieving that characteristic smoky char that Tandoori dishes are famous for. To complete our meal, I whipped up some easy, on-the-side chickpeas, seasoned with similar Indian spices to complement the chicken beautifully. The combined aromas and flavors were simply amazing, creating a meal I felt incredibly proud and good about serving my family. And as a bonus, the leftovers reheated wonderfully for a delicious lunch the next day, proving this dish is as practical as it is delicious.
Grilled Tandoori Chicken with Spiced Chickpeas
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 1 c plain Greek yogurt
- juice of half a lemon
- 1 t turmeric
- 1 t cinnamon
- 1 t cumin
- 1 t coriander
- 2 t paprika
- ¼ t cayenne
- 1 T freshly grated ginger
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 T freshly grated onion
- 1 t kosher salt
- ¼ c fresh chopped cilantro
For the Indian-Spiced Chickpeas
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 can vegetable broth
- ¼ t kosher salt
- ½ t turmeric
- ½ t cumin
- ¼ t coriander
- ¼ t onion powder
- ½ t paprika
- pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
-
Remove the skins from the chicken (using a paper towel to grasp the skin allows you to do this in a jiff). Using a sharp knife, slice 3-4 shallow cuts into the chicken meat. These cuts help the marinade penetrate deeper, ensuring maximum flavor and even cooking.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the next 13 ingredients (from Greek yogurt through cilantro) to create your vibrant Tandoori marinade. Transfer this flavorful marinade into a large ziploc bag and add the prepared chicken drumsticks. Seal the bag, ensuring all air is expelled, then gently massage the chicken within the marinade to thoroughly coat each piece. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate overnight for optimal results. For even deeper flavor, you can marinate for up to two days. This extended marination time is key to developing that authentic Tandoori taste and tender texture.
-
For the Indian-Spiced Chickpeas, combine all the chickpea ingredients in a medium pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the liquid has significantly reduced to approximately ½ cup and the chickpeas have absorbed the fragrant spices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
-
Preheat your grill to high heat. Allow it to heat thoroughly for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure a hot cooking surface, which is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing sticking.
-
To prevent the chicken from sticking, use tongs to hold a wadded-up paper towel dipped in vegetable oil and carefully oil the hot grill grates. Add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the grill. Grill for 8-10 minutes on the first side, then turn the chicken and grill for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The chicken should have a beautiful char and be cooked through. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat. Serve the succulent Grilled Tandoori Chicken alongside the aromatic Indian-Spiced Chickpeas. Yield: 4-5 servings.
Smart Shopping for a Budget-Friendly Feast
One of the best aspects of this meal, beyond its incredible taste and health benefits, is its affordability. I managed to assemble all the necessary fresh components for just $11.64. This included $6.74 for the chicken drumsticks (a fantastic deal at $1.99/lb), $2.50 for the plain Greek yogurt, $0.42 for fresh ginger, $0.79 for a can of chickpeas, and $1.19 for the vegetable broth. All the other essential spices were readily available in my well-stocked pantry, and I even had fresh cilantro growing in my garden, saving me an additional $1.99 (the typical cost of a bunch). This approach highlights how easily you can create a gourmet-quality meal without breaking the bank. By keeping an eye out for sales on proteins and maintaining a robust collection of pantry staples, you can unlock a world of delicious and economical cooking. To learn more about the essential ingredients and staples I keep on hand, feel free to explore my dedicated article about My Pantry.
Beyond the Recipe: Tips for Tandoori Perfection
Choosing Your Chicken
While this recipe specifically calls for chicken drumsticks due to their flavor and cost-effectiveness, you can certainly adapt it for other cuts of chicken. Thighs work wonderfully and will follow a similar grilling time. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, reduce the grilling time significantly to prevent them from drying out. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Mastering the Marinade
The longer you marinate the chicken, the more intense the flavors and tender the meat will become. Aim for at least 6-8 hours, but overnight (12-24 hours) is truly ideal. Avoid marinating for more than 48 hours, as the acidity in the yogurt can start to break down the chicken too much, leading to a mushy texture. If you’re short on time, even a 2-hour marinade will impart a good flavor, but for that authentic Tandoori experience, patience is key.
Grilling Alternatives
No grill? No problem! This Tandoori chicken can be just as delicious cooked indoors.
- Oven Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and nicely browned. For extra char, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Air Fryer: For crispy results, cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model and chicken piece size.
- Stovetop: You can also cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, searing each side for 5-7 minutes until browned, then reducing heat and covering to cook through.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
While the spiced chickpeas are a fantastic accompaniment, don’t hesitate to enhance your meal further. Consider serving your Grilled Tandoori Chicken with:
- Fluffy Basmati rice or fragrant jeera rice.
- Warm naan bread or roti for scooping up the chickpeas and sauce.
- A cooling cucumber raita (yogurt with grated cucumber, cumin, and mint) to balance the spices.
- A simple green salad or kachumber (Indian cucumber and tomato salad) for freshness.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
This Grilled Tandoori Chicken with Spiced Chickpeas recipe offers an incredible combination of flavor, health, and affordability. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with thoughtful seasoning and cooking techniques, can create an extraordinary meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re an Indian food aficionado or looking to explore new culinary horizons, this dish promises a delightful and satisfying experience for the whole family. Give it a try this week and prepare to be amazed by the rich, aromatic flavors and succulent chicken!
The rewritten content fulfills all the requirements:
– **`