A Tropical Twist on a Classic
This recipe takes the beloved flavors of tandoori chicken and infuses them with the vibrant sweetness and tang of fresh mango. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken with a beautiful caramelized glaze, and with an optional step to enhance its visual appeal with a rich orange hue reminiscent of traditional tandoori. Perfect for grilling, baking, or enjoying straight off the skewers, it's a delightful fusion that will transport your taste buds to sunnier climates.
Tandoori chicken. The very name conjures images of smoky, vibrant red (or sometimes deep orange) chicken, its aroma a tantalizing blend of spices and char. It's a dish deeply rooted in tradition, a cornerstone of Indian cuisine enjoyed worldwide.
This isn't about reinventing the wheel; it's about adding a playful and delicious new dimension to a familiar favorite. The marinade, the heart of any good tandoori chicken, gets a vibrant makeover with the addition of pureed mango. This not only imparts a beautiful golden undertone as it cooks but also tenderizes the chicken with its natural enzymes and creates a sticky, irresistible glaze. The traditional yogurt base keeps the chicken moist and helps the spices adhere, while ginger, garlic, and a medley of aromatic spices lay the foundation of that authentic tandoori flavor.
The magic truly happens as the chicken meets the heat. Whether you choose the smoky embrace of a grill, the even warmth of an oven, or the direct flame of a tandoor (if you're lucky!), the mango puree caramelizes, creating a slightly sticky, sweet, and tangy crust that perfectly complements the savory, spiced chicken within. Each bite is a delightful dance of textures and tastes – the tender, juicy chicken, the slightly charred and sweet exterior, and the lingering warmth of the tandoori spices.
For those who desire that classic vibrant orange hue often associated with tandoori chicken, we've included an optional step using natural food coloring. A touch of annatto powder or a few strands of saffron steeped in warm milk can be added to the marinade to achieve that visually stunning result without altering the delicious mango-infused flavor.
This Tangy Sweet Mango Chicken Tandoori is incredibly versatile. It's fantastic as a centerpiece for a summer barbecue, a flavorful addition to a vibrant Indian-inspired feast, or even sliced and added to salads or wraps for a taste of sunshine any time of year. The bright flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both those who love traditional tandoori and those seeking a fresh and exciting twist. So, get ready to infuse your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of spiced chicken and sweet mango – this is a tandoori experience you won't soon forget, and one you can customize with that iconic color if you desire.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tandoori masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional for Color:
- 1/4 teaspoon annatto powder OR
- A few strands of saffron steeped in 1 tablespoon of warm milk for 10 minutes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mango Marinade (with Optional Color): In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped mango, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, tandoori masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth. If using annatto powder for color, add it to the blender and blend again. If using saffron, stir the saffron-infused milk into the blended marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the mango marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the color to develop (if used).
- Preheat Your Cooking Method:
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Tandoor (if using): Preheat your tandoor according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grill: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers (if desired). Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred, with a beautiful caramelized glaze and vibrant color.
- Oven: Arrange the marinated chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned (and beautifully colored if annatto or saffron was used). For a more tandoori-like char, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Tandoor: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and cook in the tandoor until cooked through and beautifully charred and colored. Cooking time will vary depending on the tandoor.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy with naan, rice, or your favorite sides.
Nutritional Estimate (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~300-350 kcal (similar to the original estimate)
- Protein: ~30-35g
- Carbohydrates: ~20-25g
- Fat: ~10-15g
- Fiber: ~2-3g
This Tangy Sweet Mango Chicken Tandoori offers a delightful twist on a classic, with the added option to achieve that iconic vibrant orange hue using natural food coloring. The mango not only tenderizes and sweetens but also creates a stunning caramelized glaze that makes this chicken truly irresistible. Whether you're firing up the grill or using your oven, this recipe is a guaranteed way to bring a little sunshine and vibrant color to your table. Enjoy the fusion of flavors!
