Curry, spice, and everything chilled. This summer, BKC – Biryani Kebab Chai London – brings you […]
Tandoori Chicken (Chicken Kebab)
About This Dish
Tandoori Chicken is the quintessential Indian kebab—vibrant, smoky, and bursting with bold flavours. This iconic dish features bone-in or boneless chicken marinated in a rich blend of yoghurt, tandoori masala, ginger, garlic, and traditional spices like Kashmiri red chilli, cumin, and coriander. The marinade both tenderizes the meat & adds a deep, aromatic flavour.
Cooked in a traditional tandoor (clay oven), the high heat creates a crisp, slightly charred exterior while locking in the juices—resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a hint of smokiness. Served with mint chutney, pickled onions, and naan or rice, Tandoori Chicken is a crowd-pleaser and a menu essential at BKC London.
History & Tradition
Tandoori Chicken has its origins in the Indian state of Punjab. It gained prominence during the mid-20th century, popularized by the legendary Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, the national capital. The word “tandoori” comes from the tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven that’s been used for centuries in Indian, Persian, and Central Asian cuisines.
While the tandoor was traditionally used to bake breads, it revolutionized meat preparation by offering high-heat, smokeless cooking that sealed in moisture and infused a signature smoky aroma. The innovation of marinating chicken in spiced yoghurt before tandoor cooking marked a shift in Indian grilling techniques. Over time, Tandoori Chicken became symbolic of Indian cuisine across the globe, known for its fiery hue, bold flavours, and irresistible char.
What Makes It Special
What truly sets Tandoori Chicken apart is the way it’s cooked. The intense heat of the tandoor—often exceeding 480°C—creates a distinctive smoky crust while letting the interior stay juicy and tender. The marinade is rich in spices and tangy yoghurt. It penetrates deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful through and through. Kashmiri chilli powder adds a deep red colour without overwhelming heat, while garlic, ginger, and garam masala bring layers of earthy, spicy complexity. The result is a kebab that’s bold, juicy, and deeply satisfying—perfect for spice lovers and grilled meat enthusiasts alike.
Facebook
Anita Verma
This Tandoori Chicken was absolutely delicious. The marinade was rich and packed with flavour, and the char from the tandoor gave it an authentic smoky taste. It reminded me of the street food back home in Delhi. The meat was juicy and perfectly cooked. Paired with naan and mint chutney, it made for a comforting and satisfying meal.
TripAdvisor
James Holloway
I have tried Tandoori Chicken in many places, but this one stood out. The smoky aroma hit the table before the plate did, and the flavours were bold without being overpowering. Each bite was tender and full of that signature spiced tang. It is the kind of dish I would happily return for again and again.
Google
Emily Granger
The Tandoori Chicken here is spot on. It has just the right level of spice and that delicious smokiness you expect from a proper tandoor. The chicken was succulent, and the seasoning was balanced beautifully with a creamy yoghurt tang. With naan and mint chutney on the side, it was everything I hoped for and more.
FAQs
A: It’s moderately spicy—rich in bold, warming flavours with a tangy, smoky kick that’s balanced rather than overpowering.
A: After marination in spiced yoghurt, the chicken is grilled in a traditional tandoor, which chars the exterior while keeping the meat moist and juicy.
A: The vibrant red hue traditionally comes from Kashmiri red chilli powder, which adds colour without excessive heat. Some versions may also use natural food coloring.
Recent Blogs & Events
At BKC – Biryani Kebab Chai London, we’re raising a chilled toast to long lunches, lazy […]
There’s a particular kind of craving that only Punjabi cuisine can truly satisfy. It’s not just […]
Social wall
Follow us wherever you are and treat yourself to a piece of Awadh right here in London.
@bkcrestaurant
[instagram-feed feed=1]