If you’re looking for a flavorful, smoky, and juicy BBQ dish that brings Indian tradition straight to your backyard, grilled tandoori chicken is the perfect choice. Known for its vibrant color, bold spices, and tender texture, this dish captures the heart of every grill lover. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer cookout or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe will help you make restaurant-style tandoori chicken at home using charcoal for that authentic smoky aroma.

What Makes Grilled Tandoori Chicken So Special?

Grilled tandoori chicken is more than just a BBQ dish—it’s a culinary experience. Traditionally cooked in a clay oven called a “tandoor,” this recipe combines yogurt and spices to create a rich tandoori marinated chicken that’s both flavorful and tender. When grilled over hot coals, it transforms into a smoky, slightly charred masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.

Here’s why everyone loves it:

• Authentic Flavors: The blend of yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon, and Indian spices adds layers of taste.
• Healthy and Protein-Rich: It’s low in fat and high in protein, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
• BBQ Perfection: The unique balance of crisp char outside and juicy tenderness inside makes tandoori chicken on the BBQ one of the best BBQ grilled chicken recipes ever.

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Before lighting your grill, make sure you’ve got the essentials ready. The secret lies in the marinade—balanced, aromatic, and deeply flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken (preferably thighs and drumsticks)
• 200 ml plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp paprika (for color)
• Salt to taste

Pro Tip: For that perfect smoky aroma, use lumpwood charcoal instead of gas. Lumpwood burns hotter, cleaner, and adds a natural smokiness that enhances the tandoori marinated chicken flavor.

Choosing the Right Charcoal

The secret to perfectly grilled tandoori chicken lies in the charcoal. For authentic Indian-style BBQ, lumpwood charcoal is highly recommended because it burns longer and produces a stable heat level without adding unwanted smoke or chemicals.

If you’re planning a BBQ party or cookout, you can easily find charcoal for sale online or at local grilling stores. When comparing the price of charcoal, look for brands that offer natural hardwood or mangrove charcoal—it burns hotter and lasts longer.

If you’re planning to stock up, you can buy charcoal in bulk to save costs for future BBQs. Investing in high-quality charcoal makes a huge difference in both the cooking process and the flavor of your grilled dishes.

If you want to learn more about how to choose the right lump charcoal for grill, check out our detailed guide on selecting the best charcoal type for your needs: Ultimate Guide to Choosing Best Lump Charcoal for Grilling 

Preparing the Tandoori Marinade

This is the heart of your tandoori marinated chicken. The combination of yogurt and spices not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat, ensuring that every bite melts in your mouth.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all the spices.
• Make small cuts on the chicken pieces to help the marinade penetrate deeper.
• Coat the chicken evenly with the mixture and massage it well.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours, or overnight for best results.

The longer the marination, the richer and more aromatic your grilled tandoori chicken will be.

Preparing and Grilling in a Tandoor

To cook authentic tandoori chicken, it’s best to use a tandoor — a clay oven traditionally heated with charcoal. Start by preparing the tandoor with high-quality lumpwood charcoal. Light the charcoal and allow it to heat up until it turns white-hot, ensuring even heat distribution inside the oven.

Once the temperature is right, skewer the marinated chicken pieces and place them vertically inside the tandoor. The intense heat sears the outer layer quickly, locking in juices while creating that classic charred finish. If you don’t have a tandoor, you can still replicate this process using a BBQ grill with a lid to trap the smoky flavor.

During cooking, baste the chicken occasionally with butter or oil to prevent it from drying out. Depending on the heat, the chicken should take around 20–25 minutes to cook through, turning once or twice for even browning.

Expert Tips for Perfect BBQ Grilled Chicken

• Control the Heat: Too much flame can burn the outside before the inside is cooked. Moderate, steady heat is key.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Give each piece space so the smoke can circulate evenly.
• Baste for Flavor: Use melted butter or ghee during grilling to enhance taste and maintain moisture.
• Check Doneness: The chicken is ready when the juices run clear and there’s a beautiful char on the edges.

Remember, BBQ grilled chicken should be smoky and slightly crisp on the outside but tender and flavorful on the inside.

Serving and Presentation

Your grilled tandoori chicken is best served hot, straight off the grill. Garnish with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh coriander leaves for a colorful, authentic touch.

Pair it with:

• Basmati rice or naan bread
• Mint chutney or yogurt raita
• Grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions

Want to impress your guests? Arrange your chicken on a wooden platter, drizzle with a bit of melted butter, and serve it next to your charcoal BBQ grill for that rustic outdoor feel.

After-Grill Care and Charcoal Maintenance

Once your BBQ session is over, let the grill cool down completely. Dispose of the ashes safely or save any reusable lumpwood charcoal for next time.

Keep leftover charcoal dry and store it in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption. Maintaining your grill and charcoal properly ensures you’re always ready for your next tandoori chicken on the BBQ night.

Where to Buy Charcoal and BBQ Essentials

If you’re looking to recreate this recipe at home, make sure to use high-quality charcoal. Many suppliers now offer charcoal for sale online, including lumpwood charcoal and premium hardwood charcoal varieties.

Before you buy charcoal, check the price of charcoal per kilogram to find the best value for your needs. Choosing natural, chemical-free charcoal not only enhances your grilled food’s flavor but also supports sustainable cooking practices.

PNP supplies premium lumpwood charcoal ideal for tandoor and BBQ cooking. Our charcoal is selected for consistent heat, long burn time, and minimal ash—perfect for achieving the authentic tandoori chicken on the BBQ flavor. PNP also offers reliable export services and customer support to help you pick the right charcoal grade for your needs. 

Visit our website: PNP Charcoal to explore PNP’s charcoal products and choose the right type for your next cookout.

Conclusion 

Grilled tandoori chicken perfectly combines spice, smoke, and tenderness—an irresistible choice for any BBQ lover. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a quiet dinner, this dish promises to deliver rich, exotic flavors every time.

So fire up your grill, grab your favorite lumpwood charcoal, and let the aroma of tandoori marinated chicken fill the air. With the right technique and quality charcoal, your BBQ grilled chicken will taste just as good as in a traditional tandoor oven.

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