The Ultimate Guide to Making Flavorful Grilled or Roasted Chicken
This Recipe is Perfect for You
If you’re a fan of bold, authentic flavors, this grilled or roasted chicken recipe is exactly what you need. Infused with aromatic Indian and Pakistani spices, this dish offers a delightful burst of taste in every bite. Whether you choose to grill it on a stovetop, roast it in an oven, or char it on an outdoor BBQ, the results are consistently succulent and satisfying. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and uses ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
The Secret Behind Authentic Spices
The beauty of this recipe lies in its spices. Each ingredient plays a unique role in enhancing the chicken’s flavor:
Salt and Black Pepper: These foundational spices enhance the chicken’s natural taste.
Red Chili Powder: Adds heat and a vibrant red hue.
Turmeric Powder: Provides a warm, earthy undertone.
Cumin Powder (Zeera): Delivers a smoky, nutty flavor.
Garam Masala (All Spice Powder): A blend of spices that adds depth and complexity.
Coriander Powder: Offers a slightly citrusy aroma.
Essential Ingredients
In addition to the spices, a few other ingredients are key to achieving the dish’s signature flavor:
Lemon Juice and Vinegar: These acidic components tenderize the chicken and add a tangy brightness.
Garlic Ginger Paste: A staple in South Asian cuisine, this combination adds a pungent kick.
Orange Food Color: Though optional, it provides the iconic vibrant appearance associated with this dish.
Oil: Locks in moisture and aids in cooking.
Preparing Your Chicken
For this recipe, use one whole chicken, cut into leg and breast pieces. This ensures an even cook and allows the marinade to penetrate deeply.
Pro Tip: Make Deep Cuts
To ensure the marinade fully infuses into the chicken, make horizontal cuts across each piece. This step allows the flavors to penetrate, giving you tender, flavorful meat.
The Art of Marination
Marination is where the magic happens. Combine the following ingredients in a bowl to create your marinade:
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper powder
2 tsp red chili powder
¼ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp vinegar
½ tsp garam masala
1 tbsp garlic ginger paste
1 tsp coriander powder
3 pinches of orange food color (optional)
2 tbsp oil
Rub this mixture generously onto your chicken, ensuring it covers all cuts and edges. Once coated, cover the chicken and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and penetrate the meat.
Pro Tip: Room Temperature Before Cooking
Remove the chicken from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out.
Cooking Methods
You can cook this chicken using three methods: on the stovetop, in the oven, or on an outdoor BBQ grill. Each method has its unique benefits, but all yield delicious results.
1. Stovetop Grilling
Heat a grill or frying pan over high heat and add 1 tbsp of oil.
Sear the chicken pieces for 3 minutes on each side to achieve a charred appearance and seal in the juices.
Lower the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 8 minutes.
Flip the chicken, cover again, and cook for an additional 8 minutes.
2. Oven Roasting
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Sear the chicken on high heat in a grill or frying pan for 3 minutes per side.
Transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Outdoor BBQ Grilling
Preheat the grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the chicken pieces, turning every 5 minutes while basting with oil to retain moisture.
Cook for approximately 20 minutes, ensuring the chicken is charred and fully cooked.
Optional Step: Coal Smoking
If cooking indoors, you can replicate the smoky flavor of BBQ by using a coal smoking technique. Heat a piece of charcoal until red-hot, place it in a small bowl, and set it inside the marinated chicken dish. Drizzle oil over the charcoal, cover the dish, and let it infuse for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
Simple Recipe for Grilled or Roasted Chicken
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken, cut into leg and breast pieces
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper powder
2 tsp red chili powder
¼ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp vinegar
½ tsp garam masala powder
1 tbsp garlic ginger paste
1 tsp coriander powder
3 pinches orange food color (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions:
Make horizontal cuts on the chicken pieces for better marinade absorption.
In a bowl, mix all ingredients to prepare the marinade.
Rub the marinade generously over the chicken, covering all cuts and edges.
Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Remove the chicken 20-30 minutes before cooking.
Cooking Methods
Stovetop:
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a grill pan. Sear chicken for 3 minutes per side.
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 minutes on each side.
Oven:
Preheat oven to 190°C. Sear chicken for 3 minutes per side in a pan.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
BBQ Grill:
Grill chicken, flipping and basting with oil every 5 minutes. Cook for 20 minutes.
Optional: Add coal smoke for a BBQ flavor.
