Why This Tandoori Chicken is a Must-Try!
There are a million ways to make chicken, but nothing beats the smoky, charred goodness of tandoori chicken. Here’s why this recipe is a game-changer:
✅ Authentic Flavour – Using a combination of classic tandoori spices, this dish has the perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and a hint of citrus.
✅ No Tandoor Needed – Thanks to the Sunbeam Steam Air Fryer, you get that traditional charred effect without any fancy equipment.
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Tandoori chicken is naturally high in protein, while the veg rice packs in fibre and essential nutrients.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish tastes even better the next day! Just store it in an airtight container and enjoy it throughout the week.
✅ Easy & Mess-Free – Say goodbye to complicated cooking! With my go-to kitchen appliances, this meal comes together effortlessly.
Watch me whip up a Tandoori Chicken with Veg Rice and Greek Yoghurt!
The Secret to the Best Tandoori Chicken 🔥
The magic of tandoori chicken lies in the marinade! A well-marinated chicken is the difference between dry, bland meat and juicy, flavour-packed goodness. Here’s what you need to do:
🌟 Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt – The creaminess helps tenderise the chicken while balancing the spices.
🌟 Let It Marinate Overnight – If you can, let the chicken soak up the spices for at least 12 hours—it makes all the difference!
🌟 Use Fresh Spices – Ground spices lose their potency over time. If your garam masala has been sitting in the cupboard for years, it’s time for a fresh batch!
🌟 Add a Squeeze of Lemon – A bit of citrus cuts through the richness and enhances the smoky flavour.
The Perfect Pairing: Veg Rice & Cooling Greek Yogurt
Since tandoori chicken is bold and spicy, pairing it with a mild, fragrant side makes all the difference! I love serving it with basmati rice loaded with colourful veggies. It’s buttery, slightly nutty, and the perfect way to soak up all that leftover marinade. 🍚
👩🍳 Pro Tip: Add a teaspoon of cumin seeds and a cinnamon stick to your rice while cooking for extra aroma!
And let’s not forget the Greek yogurt sauce—cool, tangy, and the ultimate refresher after a spicy bite. Just mix Greek yogurt with a little lemon juice, salt, and fresh coriander for a quick dip that brings everything together! 🥄
How to Store & Reheat Tandoori Chicken Like a Pro
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
🥡 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to keep the skin crispy.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze marinated raw chicken in zip-lock bags for up to 2 months—just defrost and cook when ready!
🔥 Reheating Tip: Avoid the microwave—it makes the chicken rubbery! Instead, use an air fryer at 180°C for 5-7 minutes or a skillet over medium heat.
What to Serve with Tandoori Chicken
Not sure what else to plate up with this dish? Here are some perfect pairings:
🥗 Cucumber & Tomato Salad – A simple, refreshing side to cool down the spice.
🫓 Garlic Naan or Roti – Because who doesn’t love scooping up tandoori goodness with warm, buttery bread?
🥭 Mango Chutney – The sweetness pairs beautifully with the smoky heat.
🍷 A Chilled Glass of Riesling – A slightly sweet wine helps balance the spice without overpowering the dish.
Other Recipes to Try!
If you love this tandoori chicken, here are a few more flavour-packed dishes you should try next:
I can’t wait for you to try this tandoori chicken with veg rice & Greek yogurt! If you make it, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff 📸🍗🔥
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Tandoori Chicken with Veg Rice and Greek Yoghurt
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together Greek Yoghurt, Garam masala or spice mix, Brown Sugar, Garlic, Ginger, Tomato Paste, Chilli powder, and Salt until smooth.
- Marinate drumsticks by rubbing the Tandoori mix all over them (can leave overnight but even half an hour is fine)
- Cook in the air fryer for about 12 minutes each side on 200 degrees until crisp.
- Massage the Rice packet to separate the rice, in medium heat frying pan melt the Butter then add the Rice and frozen mixed Vegetables to sauté
- In a bowl, mix the Greek Yogurt, Lemon juice and Salt until smooth.
- To serve, split the rice into four bowls with two Tandoori Chicken drumsticks in each, add a large table spoon of Greek Yogurt to each bowl, this is delicious with a sprinkle of fresh Coriander!
Nutrition
Video
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since breasts can dry out quicker. I recommend marinating for a full 12 hours to keep them juicy.
Yes! If you don’t have Greek yogurt, use plain full-fat yogurt or even coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Of course! Preheat your oven to 220°C and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway. For extra char, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.